In April, MUBI offers an impressive lineup featuring Miguel Gomes's mesmerizing "Grand Tour" and other standout films such as Paul Verhoeven’s "Benedetta," Gia Coppola’s "Mainstream," and Richard Linklater’s "Bernie." However, the crown jewel of this month is the trio of collaborations between Isabelle Huppert and director Hong Sang-soo. Among these works, "A Traveler’s Needs," which claimed the Silver Bear at the Berlinale last year, stands out as both the most recent and the most profound. This film takes viewers on a whimsical journey through Seoul with its protagonist, Iris, portrayed by Huppert. The story unfolds without a clear objective, focusing instead on her meanderings and interactions within the city.

A Delicate Exploration of Identity and Belonging

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Seoul, "A Traveler’s Needs" follows Iris, a French woman navigating life in South Korea. In serene parks, she practices the recorder clumsily, while moments later, she indulges in Makgeolli and bibimbap. Her financial needs lead her to teach French, introducing us to her during a lesson with a local student. Through a cyclical narrative structure, Hong crafts a hypnotic experience where Iris drifts effortlessly, embodying a sense of detachment yet profound presence. The film challenges perceptions of assimilation in foreign lands, presenting Iris as a figure devoid of past or future, existing solely in the present. Her enigmatic character invites viewers to project their own ideas onto her, mirroring the experience of reinvention in unfamiliar surroundings.

From the perspective of a journalist, "A Traveler’s Needs" serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in cultural adaptation. It encourages reflection on the fluidity of identity and the liberating potential of embracing new environments. As audiences immerse themselves in Iris's journey, they are prompted to consider their own definitions of belonging and purpose, resonating deeply long after the credits roll.