Reviews for Lost in Starlight

I know Lost in Starlight is a significant achievement for Korean animation. But honestly, I just didn’t think the movie was that good. There were a lot of plot holes and inconsistencies that made it hard for me to get emotionally invested. For example, Nan-young’s motivation for going to Mars is all over the place. At first, she says she wants to complete her mother’s mission, but later she reveals she was basically pressured into becoming an astronaut. The film never really explains how or why her feelings change, so her character arc feels unconvincing. The romance between Nan-young and Jay also felt forced and repetitive.There’s a scene where Nan-young has a dramatic realization that she loves Jay, even though she already confessed her feelings earlier in the film. This made the emotional payoff feel redundant and less impactful. On top of that, some of the characters’ decisions just didn’t make sense—like Nan-young risking her life by venturing out during a Martian tornado, even after promising to be careful. It felt like the movie was forcing drama rather than letting it develop naturally.

There are also practical plot holes, like how her mother’s underground quarters somehow survive a massive marsquake with no explanation, and the sudden appearance of life-supporting flowers in an environment that shouldn’t be able to sustain them. The film tries to tackle a lot of deep themes and metaphors, but it never really explores them in depth, so the story ends up feeling shallow despite its ambitions.

And am I the only one who didn’t cry while watching this movie? Every review I’ve seen talks about how emotional it was and how people were in tears, but I honestly didn’t find it that sad. I’m genuinely curious—what exactly made you cry? For me, the emotional moments just didn’t land, maybe because of the plot holes or the lack of depth in the character development. Did I miss something, or was it just not that moving?

Honestly, I was leaning toward “not recommended” at first, but since this is the first time we’re seeing a major Korean animated production like this, I’d say it’s worth checking out for yourself. The visuals are truly excellent—there are some breathtaking scenes that really showcase what Korean animation is capable of. Even if the story didn’t quite land for me, it’s exciting to support something new and see how the industry is evolving. So go see it and decide for yourself!

Lost In Starlight is a victory not only for Korean animation, but for the animation scene as a whole. My greatest wish at this moment is that this film will touch many hearts like mine, which is celebrating wildly. Han Ji-won's direction brings a unique sensibility, combining elements of science fiction with a deeply human narrative. The animation is stunning, capturing the essence of a technological future without losing the poetry of the present. She did such an impressive job that I even thought it was a film directed by Makoto Shinkai. This film is not just a love story; it is a reflection on dreams,sacrifices, and the strength of human connections, even in the face of immeasurable distances. It skillfully balances romanticism with elements of science fiction, without ever losing focus on the humanity of its characters. It is truly moving and incredibly artistic. Combining stunning visuals and an emotionally powerful soundtrack, Lost in Starlight establishes itself as one of the most beautiful anime films humanity has ever been able to make—an ode to love, memory, and the vastness of human feelings.

For romance enthusiasts like me, this film is a real treat! It is a film that stays with you even after the final credits, showing the power of animation to tell stories as powerful as any other film genre. A milestone for Korean animation and an experience that warms the soul.

I might be the odd one out here, but the reason why I didn’t like this film as much as I expected, after looking at a trailer, was not plot holes, was not occasionally weak writing, was not somewhat annoying characters, but much more the world this story takes place in. Lost in Starlight is generally a good film and one that is worth a watch, though not as much as a lot of other stuff, but for all the things it shows, all the imaginative imagery it uses to tell its story, it fails to address one incoherence at its core. This is aromance story set in a dystopian world, that is sold to us as utopia. Flying taxis, drone delivery, ten lane highways, advertisements everywhere, blasted through your windows straight into your brain; this is a world that screams Blade Runner, that bleeds of the corpo bullshit of Cyberpunk and Ghost in the Shell, but is so dazzled by flickering pixels of neon lights, that it fails to see the problems in these things. Lost in Starlight, through selling us a dystopian future as a hopeful tomorrow, frames its entire narrative as one of corporate bliss, of utopia through the systems constructed at the end of the line, that has to go up and up and up, and will eventually reward all of us. You can write beautiful stories of romance and friendship in settings that fight kindness at every step, look at an anime like Edgerunners, a show about how humanity always resists no matter how fucked the world is, but these narratives exist in acknowledgement of what we are fighting, they are tales of people who get together, not because Tinder is mandatory, but in spite of it, that end up happy, even though the state outlawed happiness, that fight a system that forbids to acknowledge anything but its own existence. Lost in Starlight sells us a future that forgot us, as one that was created for us, and though I understand how people can look at a movie like this and say, “well, it’s just a romance story”, that is exactly the problem. We can not forget reality, simply because our manufactured version of romance is so much more fluffy than the hard edges of this hellhole we built for ourselves, that was built for us. We should find happiness and hope at every step of the way, but that happiness should lie in truth, in the actual human connection at the heart of any romance story, and that heart can not be found in advertisements, no matter how lavishly animated.

Lost in Starlight is a good movie, one well worth checking out, but it is not lost in starlight, but much more the workings of reality itself.

Lost in Starlight is nothing short of a masterpiece. From the stunning animation to the emotionally charged story, it completely captivates from beginning to end. The character design is beautifully detailed, and the world-building immerses you into a universe that feels both magical and real. What truly sets it apart, though, is the way it handles emotions every moment feels genuine, and the relationships between characters are so well-developed. The pacing is perfect, and the soundtrack elevates every scene. It's one of those rare gems that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll. A definite 10/10, and easily one of the best animated filmsto come out in recent years.

Lost in Starlight is a big-budget story with many inconsistencies and forced elements. For a tearjerker romance anime, it lacks realism. The characters act way too stupid sometimes which can break the mood. The story feels predictable but it is to be expected with those kind of animes. On the positive side, the animation is strong, and the climax feels very Makoto Shinkai-esque, it would be effective on those unconcerned with consistency. The characters also feels like actual human beings (aside from those stupid acts) even if they were not really developed (what can you expect in ~1h30?) If you love Makoto Shinkai's style and are nottoo regarding about the story, you will love this anime.

Lost in Starlight is a heartfelt and beautifully animated romance with an enchanting K-pop accompaniment, a joyful story of two disparate souls finding each other in a near future where humanity's greatest endeavors are on the cusp of realization. Although I am not much a K pop fan but bgm is really soothing .The story is a little slight but sweetly affecting and engaging, and is helped by the fact that Jay and Nan-young are fun together. At first you will find plot predictable and too much generic but ending will prove you wrong . I can't say much otherwise it will a long spoilerreview , all i say everything was happening for a reason in movie . Past , present and future are well connected through a bond which is called family and love .

This anime is absolutely amazing! The creators really went all out with this masterpiece. The animation is breathtaking, and it really captures a range of emotions like love, happiness, fear, and loyalty. It’s a true work of art and a great way to pass the time. If you’re having trouble deciding whether to watch it, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won’t be disappointed! One of the best parts of “I Byeol-e Pil-yohan” is its truly beautiful and well-deserved happy ending. In a world where stories often end on a cliffhanger or with a bittersweet conclusion, it’s refreshing to see a story commit toa resolution that leaves you feeling uplifted and content. This commitment to a positive outcome is a definite plus, giving viewers a sense of fulfillment that many crave.

The characters in “I Byeol-e Pil-yohan” are incredibly well-rounded and genuinely human. They have a compelling mix of strengths and flaws, making them incredibly relatable and believable.

I’m sure others will absolutely love this series. Its stunning animation, emotionally resonant storytelling, well-developed characters, and especially its satisfying happy ending make it a must-watch for a wide audience.

Korea's first ever animated film feature? Sure. It was interesting after seeing a trailer of this one. On the one hand, it would feel like another one of those generic romantic comedy films that you see in any other language. At the other, this has exceeded my expectations on how this film has given me. More than just your average romantic comedy involving a man and a woman who'd met, having a similar interest, and then falling in love as the days go by. This is an exploration of one's dream and then fulfilling them for both of them.A romantic comedy with drama that shares all their feelings across the board. One wants to go explore Mars. The other wants to bring his song to life. Learning more about one another, whether through one's trauma and the other is about their muddled past, they managed to tackle their love in a well-paced manner. A head's up, though. This review might contain some spoilers. You have been warned.

Nan-Yeong is a young woman who is working with NASA and looks forward to exploring Mars to find her mother, who might still be out there. Jay is a young man who is living his life with music. One is modern. One is retro. Their tastes are what brought them together. It all started with Nan-Yeong wanting to get her mother's vinyl player fixed until she came across Jay. Later on, Nan-Yeong discovers that Jay was the guy who sang a song that was a teaser years ago. To Jay's surprise, he'd discovered Nan-Yeong's mother, who was on a mission similar to what Nan-Yeong was about to do with NASA but was fatally lost. To make matters worse for his worries, Nan-Yeong has been selected by NASA to go explore Mars. Sure, they broke up because of such. I originally thought it would take a good while, but thankfully, it doesn't take long for them to realize their short time apart, and they'd managed to get back together.

As Nan-Yeong goes out to explore, Jay managed to get his song together. I would share what happens next, but I don't want to spoil too much as I already had. All this movie carries is not only the two star-crossed lovers. The animation is phenomenal. The way the scenery looks if we were to continue our advancement and not regressing as we are currently. The transitions. The music, even. Whenever you see both Nan-Yeong and Jay together in harmony, the music plays that it makes you feel like you're watching a music video. The voice acting is spot-on. I only saw the original Korean dub in this. Sure, the side characters aren't on too much, but they are also likable when giving the two leads support.

I'm gonna give this film ten Jay offering Nan-Yeong an umbrella like any lover offering out of ten. 10/10.

This is very beautifully crafted, directed and emotional movie. It manages to hit all strings in ones heart. The story is decent enough to keep you invested till the end. Unfortunately, it falls flat when it comes to characters' writing and story building. The main MCs are basically one and the same person - likeable without a strong quality distinguishing them from one another. The only difference is that one is a tech savvy living in the future chasing her dreams and the other is old school vinyl listening guy who gave up on his. This is a good ground to build the characters' differences andclash their understanding of the world in order to create interesting relation between the two. Instead, after the beginning of the relationship these traits are never addressed nor developed.

This missed opportunity is further on display with the glossing over the MCs relationsip with few montages, instead of showing us how their connection grow.

And then there is the rushed drama. It is not built but just spewed in viewers' faces. We have a dialog between the two speaking how the girl will go to space. So ones presumption is that the guy will think about this during their relationship, and beneath the surface there will be unrest bulidng between the two of them, and while becoming more intimate, will start fighting over this subject. Instead we have a half-baked fight between the two which was not preemptively built and which misses ground.

Same goes for the climactic part where the decision making of the girl is silly, while the writers did not built properly the cataclysm. Instead we have few lines between the crew about the situation and thats it. Also the movie tries to put equal sign between going to Mars and chasing a dream to become a singer. The idea here is grossly misrepresented especially when we understand why the guy gave up on his dream.

There were few touches here and there showing that the writers can do better (the umbrella connection) but overall they missed the chances. May be the movie should have been 15-20 min longer so all those little things to be properly built?

Nevertheless, it is beautiful emotional movie, with great music, touching moments and great directing. But the character writing and situation building let the movie down.

I love the art style, attention to details, and the animation of this anime. Many of the scenes are wallpaper worthy. If you're into that then I recommend this movie. But the storyline is so rushed, I wish they'd pay attention to it as much as the art details. They don't follow the same slow pacing as a korean K-drama would. They literally kissed within 20 minutes, and had straight sex after. It does follow the same cliche that many space movies do though, which I noticed after watching a few of those types of movies. If you haven't seen many of them, then you mightfind this anime refreshing. Also how did she survive so long without the oxygen tank??? And she literally promised her boy friend she wouldn't do something dangerous then proceed to go down into the crater after she couldn't reach her team. The storyline has so much potential.

The audio and voice acting is also well done, in both english dub and korean (original). I kept swapping between the two throughout the movie. I recommend watching the singing parts in Korean, it's more authentic and actually sounds better.

This is a movie that's carried chiefly by impressive visuals, its emotional moments and relationships. I think it does all of these well for the most part, particularly visuals. The way scenes are depicted as Nan-Yeong wanders through the caves rapidly running out of oxygen are where this series peaks in that department, especially in that scene where she's shifting between various years of her life as she runs toward Jay (very evocative of Millennium Actress). That helps sell those emotional moments as well, and the central relationship works very well. Their relationship is refreshing and lovely to follow as they develop feelings for oneanother and become intimate. That's only partially hampered by a falling out that felt a little absurd, but they get over it quickly enough that I'm OK with it.

So, what's holding it back from greatness? We learn a great deal about Nan-Yeong's past and family, but surprisingly little about Jay's beyond a vague sense of where his hang-ups with music came from. The story could have explored him more deeply. Nan-Yeong's was significantly stronger and darker, and though it was really too predictable that things would go wrong on Mars (seriously, why have her go out on a mission alone!?), it executed well enough on it that it didn't bother me too much.

It's really the ending and how Nan-Yeong survives that get to me. I get it, I was rooting for her to survive, I needed that. But this is a movie at least partially based on the science. I love how they show new technology throughout and how they even introduced concepts like the flower that saved her early on. All that works.

But the devil's in the details.

I have no idea how this research facility got there or why it was never discovered before this. It seems hard to reach and remote as hell.

The notion that these flowers produced enough oxygen that she could open the door wide, not close it, and still have enough oxygen to sustain herself for a while was hard to believe. Maybe it just closed behind her, but that bugged me. Would have made more sense if there was just an oxygen tank there or something.

Jay being able to reach her in real time. Communication was a major issue on the planet due to storms and that was just hours away from her. I get that Jay had the equipment, but there should have been a time delay on his contact with her at minimum. I know that would have been less powerful, but the movie made a point of explaining the delay and then just forgot about it for emotional heft.

All of this tempered my enjoyment of that beautiful payoff. I don't blame anyone for loving it anyway, especially since the flowers and the research facility are demonstrations of her mother's success in the face of impossible odds despite her death. It's a touching moment, but I felt like I was dragged out of it because I was asking questions about how any of this was possible. Not a huge flaw, I still connected with the movie and was in tears when it seemed like Nan-Yeong would die. I still think it was a very good experience.

I was feeling extreme emotional numbness for a couple of weeks. Nothing seemed interesting. It felt as if entertainment itself was being forceful with me. Right around that period I got to know about the movie's release. Thought to myself, "Fine, lets give this one a try" and hopped in blind. I am so grateful I did so. I had zero expectation and was prepared for the story to go to shit but it didn't. For the first time in a while have I rooted for a fictional character so damn hard! The beginning felt a little cliche but I loved the buildup. The story issimple yet well written. There was a ton of potential for world building but the story kept revolving around our mains. At one point i got sucked so deep into the characters that I became very unprepared for anything to go wrong between them. Both of them are very lovable and since they are adults, there is room for complex emotions and expectations too which was a much needed change from all those teen romances. I feel like its time we explored this genre more.

Back to the review, the ending wasn't executed very well and felt very rushed. And what makes it worse is that since its a Netflix original there are no post credit scene either. Nonetheless it ended with an actual conclusion, no catches, no cliffhangers. Yet i needed more.

And yes, don't be too shocked if a tear or two escape from your dry ass sockets

I went into this film wanting to be moved, and it mostly delivered. The core is a quiet, bittersweet romance between Nan-young, an emotionally guarded astronaut, and Jay, a retro-loving fixer. Their chemistry is warm and earnest; the film leans on familiar beats (meet-cute → slow-burn connection → obstacles around ambition and loss), so you can often guess where scenes are headed, but the moments still land because the characters feel sincere. Art — 7/10 The hand-drawn visuals and lighting are lovely: careful line work, thoughtful composition, and some genuinely striking frames. My only gripe is the color palette — it skews gloomy and muted in away that sometimes kept me from fully connecting with the aesthetic, even though the animation quality itself is solid.

Story — 7/10

The plot is straightforward and emotionally focused rather than twisty. Expect happy, tender, and sad beats rather than surprises. Both leads have painful pasts that inform their choices; Nan-young’s childhood trauma and drive to be an astronaut is central, but the film doesn’t fully unpack every backstory detail (you’ll get emotional hints more than exhaustive explanations). The romance follows familiar tropes, so if you like low-conflict, character-driven love stories, this will satisfy. If you want high-stakes unpredictability, it may feel predictable.

Characters & Themes

1. Nan-young: determined, quietly wounded; her motivations are compelling though some elements (why she chose astronaut in detail) are left a bit ambiguous.

2. Jay: charming and grounded, a good emotional counterpoint.

3. The film explores waiting, grief, and the small ways people support one another; it favors atmosphere and feeling over plot mechanics.

Pacing & Tone

Measured and gentle; scenes breathe and are given time to settle. That slow pace enhances the emotional beats for me, though it may feel languid to viewers looking for brisk storytelling.

Sound & Voice Acting

Effective and expressive; the soundtrack complements the film’s melancholic warmth.

Verdict

A heartfelt, visually appealing romance with a muted palette and familiar story beats. Not revolutionary, but quietly moving — best appreciated if you enjoy character-first romances and don’t need every backstory thread tied up. Great for a reflective, emotional watch without shocks or heavy sci‑fi complexity.

Would recommend if you like: Makoto Shinkai–adjacent romantic animation vibes, gentle melodrama, character chemistry. Not ideal if you want high-concept sci‑fi or surprising plot twists.

Me estuve tirando de los pelos los últimos 40 minutos de película. A movie that goes not fast, flying, into romance to then go on to angst and stress, then to a happy ending that feels a bit like when your mum tells you the bad news were just a joke. The rhythm is easy to get lost on, they get together too early on the story, but it never gets uninteresting or boring. Overall, very good visuals, music and story, but stressful pace and, if I'm permitted to say so, too much coke publicity. I recommend watching with someone, as it can get confusing if there aren't twoof you paying attention.

With a lot of Netflix's ONA category being easy on the eyes but empty in the middle, this movie finally answers the question: what if we paired those great visuals with at least a halfway decent story? The result isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s still pretty good-like, actually good. The characters aren’t super nuanced, but they feel believable, and honestly, that’s all you can really ask for in an ONA. Jay and Nan-Young’s romance is probably the second-best aspect of the film, right after the visuals. Speaking of visuals, the whole movie is storyboarded like a music video. The more intimate scenes are drawn almost like they’re beingfilmed on a handheld camera, which contrasts beautifully with the big, spacey, high-concept sequences. It’s a strong visual identity that carries a lot of the film’s emotion.

My only real gripe is the surprisingly underwhelming soundtrack, it leans too heavily on generic lyrics and predictable chord progressions, the kind you'd expect if you asked an algorithm to write a romantic K-pop song. It doesn’t ruin the film, but it definitely doesn’t elevate it either.

Other than that, there’s not much else to say, it’s a really good, original story that does more right than most.

The Premise: A Journey of Connection in the Void "Lost in Starlight" is likely to follow a narrative that brings two individuals together under extraordinary circumstances in space. The title itself suggests a sense of being adrift, both physically and emotionally, hinting at characters who may find solace and purpose in each other amidst the vast, isolating expanse of the cosmos. Typical of the sci-fi romance genre, the plot could involve: Accidental Encounters: Characters from different backgrounds or missions find themselves stranded together. Shared Destiny: Two individuals on a critical mission discover a deeper connection as they face existential threats.Technological Isolation: Despite advanced technology, the characters grapple with the emotional solitude of deep space, finding connection as a survival mechanism.

The setting in space provides a unique canvas for a love story, where external pressures like dwindling resources, alien environments, or interstellar travel challenges can amplify personal stakes and force characters to confront their vulnerabilities and desires.

What to Expect: Visuals, Emotion, and Sci-Fi Elements

For a film titled "Lost in Starlight," high expectations are placed on its visual storytelling. Audiences will anticipate stunning depictions of nebulae, distant planets, and futuristic spacecraft. The cinematography will be crucial in conveying both the awe-inspiring beauty and the profound emptiness of space, mirroring the emotional landscapes of the characters.

Imagem de Alien spaceship in the Universe, spacecraft flying in deep space with stars in the background, UFO rear view, 3D renderAbre em uma nova janela

Alien spaceship in the Universe, spacecraft flying in deep space with stars in the background, UFO rear view, 3D render

Emotional depth is paramount in a sci-fi romance. The film will need to skillfully balance its genre elements—such as scientific concepts, advanced technology, or perhaps even alien life forms—with a compelling and believable love story. The development of the characters' relationship, their shared struggles, and their individual growth should be at the heart of the narrative.

Themes likely to be explored include:

Human Connection in Isolation: How relationships are forged and sustained when all other familiar ties are severed.

The Unknown: Facing the mysteries of the universe and finding courage and comfort in shared experiences.

Sacrifice and Hope: The choices characters make when faced with impossible odds, and the enduring hope for a future together.

Potential Impact: A New Classic or a Missed Opportunity?

The success of "Lost in Starlight" will hinge on its ability to deliver both on its sci-fi spectacle and its emotional core. If it can craft a truly memorable and poignant love story against a backdrop of cosmic grandeur, it has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences and become a standout in the genre. Conversely, if either the science fiction elements or the romantic narrative fall flat, it risks becoming another beautiful but hollow space opera.

As details continue to emerge closer to its 2025 release, "Lost in Starlight" remains a promising title for those who dream of finding love among the stars and are eager for a film that explores the human heart in the vast, final frontier.

Short and simple - The visuals are truly dope - Stunning af, I was at a loss for words with how beautiful the animation was - It didn't hit me in the feels like a Ghibli Film, Silent Voice, or Your Name, but it was a delightful a@# movie with its own unique style Conclusion: Some very clean animation, a great story with some hit or miss moments, to be honest. I'd recommend it. I also think this was my first time watching a Korean Yeonghwa (anime) ngl I Googled that, I didn't wanna assume they called their animation the same thing but overall this was asolid movie, I hope to see more in the future