Microhabitat (2018 Film)

Microhabitat (Korean: 소공녀; RR: Sogongnyeo) is a 2018 South Korean drama film written and directed by Jeon Go-Woon. The film explores themes of poverty, personal values, and the cost of living through the perspective of its protagonist, Mi-So.

Microhabitat promotional poster — Promotional poster for the film Microhabitat.

Plot

Mi-So (played by Esom) works as a housekeeper, earning a modest daily wage. Despite her financial struggles, she finds contentment in her simple pleasures: whisky, cigarettes, and her boyfriend, Han-Sol (Ahn Jae-Hong), an aspiring webtoon writer. When the price of cigarettes increases significantly, Mi-So faces a difficult choice. Rather than sacrificing her small comforts, she decides to give up her apartment and live a transient life, visiting friends from her past to see if they can offer her a place to stay.

Production

The film was directed and written by Jeon Go-Woon. Principal photography for Microhabitat commenced on February 20, 2017, and concluded on March 27, 2017.

Esom as Mi-So — Esom stars as the protagonist, Mi-So.

Ahn Jae-Hong as Han-Sol — Ahn Jae-Hong portrays Mi-So's boyfriend, Han-Sol.

Cast

Esom as Mi-So
Ahn Jae-Hong as Han-Sol
Kang Jin-A as Moon-Young
Kim Guk-Hee as Hyun-Jung
Lee Sung-Wook as Dae-Yong
Choi Duk-Moon as Rocky
Kim Jae-Hwa as Jung-Mi

Reception and Awards

The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2017 before its general release in South Korea on March 22, 2018. Director Jeon Go-Woon received critical recognition for her work, including Best New Director at both the 39th Blue Dragon Film Awards and the 55th Daejong Film Awards. She was also awarded Best Screenplay at the 55th Daejong Film Awards.