In this episode of Cinema Callback, Andy and Michael discuss The Novelist’s Film (2022), Hong Sang-soo’s quietly reflective drama about artistic frustration, creative renewal, and the fragile connections between people who make art.

Through the show’s voice note conversation format, the hosts talk about Hong’s minimalist style, his use of repetition and conversation, and how the film blurs the line between casual interaction and philosophical reflection. They explore the figure of the novelist herself, the film’s thoughts on artistic sincerity, and the tension between creating meaningful work and escaping self consciousness.

They also discuss the film’s deceptively simple structure, its moments of humour and awkwardness, and why The Novelist’s Film feels less concerned with narrative resolution than with the small, uncertain moments that lead someone back toward creativity.