Alongside that, I managed to watch two other productions: a Korean action-packed revenge/heist thriller and a Norwegian piece about artistic connections. Here’s what I thought about all three films.

That’s a lot to squeeze into one festival, and I appreciate everyone who followed along. Now I’m gonna take a nap.

Despite the opening revealing that things resolve relatively well, Project Y keeps you on the edge with its intriguing unpredictability. It begins as a heist story. After years of toil, two best friends (Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo) plan to leave their dreadful jobs behind, only to fall victim to scams that deplete their savings. Tempted by whispers of hidden fortune, they leap into action. When they inevitably get caught, the plot shifts to a tale of revenge. Although it includes some farfetched sequences, Project Y maintains a gripping tension, bolstered by a relentlessly evil antagonist (Kim Sung-cheol). Note: brace yourself for some intense torture scenes.

_{No word yet on a wider theatrical release.}

Scarlet centers on a young princess named Scarlet (Mana Ashida) in 16th century Denmark, whose world is shattered when her uncle commits regicide to claim the throne. While its premise mirrors Hamlet, the innovation lies in setting much of the narrative in an “otherworld”—a desolate limbo with its own rules, where a menacing ancient dragon presides. The fantasy lure is compelling, and Scarlet’s pursuit of vengeance drives the story. Unfortunately, the ending feels dissonant, adopting an inappropriately cheerful conclusion.

_{In theaters in Japan on November 21st; no word yet on a global theatrical release.}

Sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) face troubled pasts as their mostly absent father Gustav (Stellan Skarsgard) comes back into their lives after their mother’s passing. Directed with subtlety and power by Worst Person in the World filmmaker Joachim Trier, the film explores understanding trauma through art, as Gustav, a revered filmmaker, endeavors to create his most intimate work. Sentimental Value delivers emotional punches, such as when Nora questions her sibling’s resilience, asking, “why didn’t our childhood ruin you?” Yet, it brings everything together in a resonant, hopeful manner.

_{In theaters on November 7th.}