The debut feature film by South Korean director Seo Eun-sun, Wrangler, captivated audiences at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) in October 2025, selling out screenings in its ‘Spotlight on Korea’ premiere. The film, a Korean-Canadian co-production, explores complex relationships and the boundaries between humans and animals.
Wrangler centers on two sisters and a stray dog, a narrative Seo described during a post-screening Q&A at VIFF as an exploration of the contradictory feelings humans have towards animals – simultaneously viewing them as companions and potential threats. The film delves into the story of ‘Ha-young’ and her estranged sister ‘So-ra’, a recently released convict, and the dynamic that unfolds as Ha-young attempts to train a difficult dog named ‘Du-bu’.
The film’s premiere at VIFF was part of a larger initiative, ‘Spotlight on Korea,’ showcasing the work of seven emerging and established Korean directors. The program, a collaboration between VIFF and the Jeonju International Film Festival, was organized to commemorate the 2024-2025 Korea-Canada Year of Cultural Exchange, with support from the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean International Cultural Exchange Foundation.
Seo Eun-sun, known for her earlier short films like Outside the Window, is praised for her ability to capture the psychology of characters and settings. She described her approach to Wrangler as starting with the characters themselves, imagining their actions and motivations. She was particularly intrigued by the profession of dog training, noting how trainers often “train the owner as well,” observing a power dynamic and a unique learning environment.
The film similarly examines themes of power and control, particularly through the contrast between a successful dog trainer and her newly released convict sister. Seo noted the tension inherent in the situation, and how the setting of the training facility – with its various relationships and hidden desires – provided a compelling backdrop. “I always find the invisible tension between people the most interesting story,” she said.
The film features actors Choi Seung-yun and Kim Seung-hwa, alongside Kim Da-sol and Jung Hwan. Kim Seung-hwa’s portrayal of So-ra was described as “captivating” and “unsettling,” while Choi Seung-yun’s performance as Ha-young was praised for its subtle intensity. Seo intentionally sought an actor who could convey emotion through restraint, mirroring the controlled demeanor often seen in professional dog trainers.
The film’s sound design, described as minimalist and unsettling, was also highlighted by a VIFF programmer, who drew a comparison to the works of Patricia Highsmith, noting a similar sense of suspense and psychological tension. Seo acknowledged the influence, expressing surprise that the connection was recognized through the film’s music rather than the narrative itself.
Wrangler is scheduled for release in South Korea in May 2026. Seo Eun-sun has already begun work on her next project, aiming for a more straightforward narrative while maintaining a focus on complex female characters and the exploration of hidden desires.
