Exploring Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice’: A Darkly Humorous Thriller

Leaves and bodies fall in “No Other Choice,” a masterfully devilish satire from Park Chan-wook, set against a chilling autumn backdrop.

In the opening scenes, Man-su eagerly awaits the season's change while grilling eel for dinner. However, he is unprepared for the cyclical collapse that looms ahead—familial, economic, and existential.

Man-su confidently declares, “I've got it all,” living with his wife Miri and their two children in a modernist home surrounded by nature. Yet, his world shatters when he is laid off from the paper mill after 25 years, leaving him to confront the despair of unemployment.

As the family is forced to sell their beloved home and even cancel Netflix, desperation sets in. Rather than sinking into bankruptcy, Man-su concocts a plan to enhance his job prospects by eliminating those with better qualifications.

This gripping narrative, based on Donald Westlake’s 1997 crime novel “The Ax,” showcases Park’s skill in creating menacing, yet darkly humorous, storytelling. He expertly weaves a tale about the ripple effects of a murderous rampage while maintaining a stylish and formal visual presentation.

Much of the film's delight comes from how intricately Park frames Man-su's descent into chaos, using reflections and nature to enrich the satirical commentary on capitalism. The film echoes the themes of Bong Joon Ho's “Parasite,” both films offering a critical lens on societal structures.

Lee's portrayal of Man-su is both comical and tragic, capturing the absurdity of a desperate parent. The film brilliantly illustrates the universal errors of modern life, questioning the notion of necessary sacrifices for family.

As the story unfolds, it expands on themes of automation and existential crises, leaving viewers with a haunting realization that some losses are irreversible. Rated R for violence, language, and some sexual content, “No Other Choice” runs for 139 minutes and is a must-watch for any film enthusiast.