Review'Deprivation' explores heartbreak of infertility amid Korea’s demographic crisis

Actors Kim See-eun, left, and Lee Do-jin in a scene from “Deprivation” / Courtesy of Tiger Cinema

Korea has long been known as a nation with one of the world’s lowest fertility rates, earning it the unfortunate moniker of a society that discourages childbirth. Amid this demographic crisis, however, there are still couples who desperately wish to have children, often suffering in silence when they cannot conceive.

Set for upcoming release, the 2024 film “Deprivation” shines a light on these couples, chronicling the intense frustration and emotional toll caused by repeated attempts at in vitro fertilization.

Co-directed by Kim Sol-hae and Lee Do-jin, the 85-minute feature follows Ji-yeon (Kim See-eun), who is desperate to conceive and explores every option, and her husband, Do-jin (played by director Lee himself), who is emotionally exhausted by the series of attempts and failures and wondering if they should simply be content with their life as a couple.

The film openly depicts the heartbreaking journey as the couple’s love fails to create a child, and their initial hope slowly turns into sadness.

Ji-yeon’s desperation is painfully clear, sometimes crossing into tragicomedy. She shows her intense yearning for a child in raw, almost absurd ways, such as urging her husband to try conceiving in a spot that a shaman chose for them and even standing on her head after making love.

Conversely, Do-jin is worn down by his wife’s obsession for a baby. To escape the constant emotional strain at home, he starts avoiding the situation and often stays late at the office instead.

Actors Kim See-eun, center, and Lee Do-jin, right, who also co-directed the film, in a scene from “Deprivation” / Courtesy of Tiger Cinema

Kim gives a quiet but strong performance, centering the film. She uses small movements and subtle glances to show the audience the full depth of Ji-yeon’s feelings, including resignation, despair and a deep wish for a child. She quietly embodies the painful truth that her intense desire for a baby is slowly making her forget who she is.

“Deprivation” offers a poignant and unprovocative look at the reality of couples experiencing infertility, a narrative frequently witnessed in modern society. Avoiding sensationalism, the film simply presents the unvarnished truth, offering a measure of solace to couples undergoing similar tribulations.

The film is the feature-length debut for both directors. It is a deeply personal project, inspired by director Lee’s own marital experience dealing with infertility. The directors said they aimed to closely examine the emotional burdens and private lives of two characters facing difficult circumstances.

Though the official English title is “Deprivation,” the original Korean title is “Tongjam,” which translates to “deep sleep.” The directors chose this word — a term parents often use to wish for their baby to sleep soundly — to symbolize the unreachable hope for the couple in the film.

The movie has already garnered critical attention, winning the Cineteca Nacional Mexico Award at the Jeonju International Film Festival in 2024.

“Deprivation” will hit theaters on Nov. 19.