Su-gyeong has red hair, drives a red car, and drinks red liquor, and she enjoys the luxurious patterns of her underwear. To her, the title of “mother” is a burden and a stigma. When it becomes too much, she lashes out at her daughter I-jeong. Their toxic relationship builds and finally explodes in a grocery store parking lot when I-jeong is struck by Su-gyeong’s car. She decides to fight back against the woman who gave birth to her but also tells her to die.
Director Kim Se-in’s first feature film, The Apartment with Two Women, reveals the turmoil and confusion that only occurs between mothers and daughters. The opening scene (of underwear washing) articulates this aptly, showing the audience the emotional dynamic between the two women. The film then weaves strands of their relationship both inside and outside the house and illustrates the influence of their beginnings. Kim’s skill is truly impressive as she describes the fierce dialogue between two women who need one another and yet resent one another, too. Actor Yang Mal-bok’s presence reminds one of a quote by Elena Ferrante: “A mother is only a daughter who plays.” [NAM Sunwoo]