Jobless Man Murders Rivals for Last Job in Dystopian Future

As of November 2025, a Korean film adaptation of an American novel is generating significant buzz ahead of its Christmas release. Titled "No Other Choice," the movie is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook, who originally intended it to be an American production but was unable to secure investors.

The film's protagonist, Man-soo, is a man who finds himself laid off from a paper factory in 2025. Facing a dire job market, he becomes so desperate to secure another position that he resorts to murdering the other candidates who have applied for the same role. However, Man-soo's troubles are far from over, as he soon realizes that he must also contend with the threat of AI, which is rapidly replacing veteran workers.

According to Park, the inclusion of this AI element was a deliberate decision, as he felt it was an "important issue" that needed to be addressed. The director co-wrote the screenplay with several collaborators, crafting a narrative that explores the extreme measures people will take to survive in a bleak, dystopian future.

Lead actor Lee Byung-hun, who portrays Man-soo, faced the challenge of convincing the audience that his character's actions were plausible, given the extreme circumstances he finds himself in. Despite the film's dark subject matter, Park and his team are hopeful that "No Other Choice" will resonate with audiences and spark important conversations about the future of work and the impact of technology on society.