“Love Untangled:” A Nostalgic Rom-Com With Surprising Depth

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The air is thick with anticipation and the sticky heat of late summer, a feeling that permeates not just our real lives but also the cinematic landscape. Netflix’s latest offering, the much-anticipated youth romance film Love Untangled, arrives with a warm, retro glow, ready to take us back to a time of dial-up internet, baggy jeans, and hair that has a mind of its own. This is a movie about finding clarity, and about straightening out not just unruly curls, but also the messy feelings of first love.

Directed by Namkoong Sun and produced by bombaramfilm (of Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 fame), the film is a masterclass in unassuming charm. It is set in Busan in 1998: a period often romanticized in K-media, but Love Untangled imbues it with a sense of genuine, lived-in nostalgia.

The story follows 19-year-old Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo), a girl whose self-consciousness is inextricably linked to her frizzy hair. She believes the only way to win over her crush, the school heartthrob Kim Hyeon (Cha Woo-min), is to have perfectly straight, glossy hair. Her quest leads her to an unexpected partnership with a new transfer student, Han Yun-seok (Gong Myung), who becomes her reluctant partner in ‘Operation Straight Hair.’

What could have been a frothy, one-note rom-com is elevated by the sincere treatment of its central conflict: self-acceptance. Se-ri’s hair isn’t just a quirky character trait, it’s a powerful symbol of her deep-seated insecurities. The film doesn’t shy away from showing her frustration and vulnerability, making her journey feel profoundly relatable. Its narrative uses one high school girl’s life to launch a quiet rebellion against societal beauty standards.

The visual storytelling complements this theme beautifully. The vibrant, sun-drenched cinematography of Busan contrasts with Se-ri’s internal turmoil, creating a poignant backdrop for her emotional growth. The period details, from the vintage school uniforms to the sepia-toned filters, feel authentic rather than just a stylistic gimmick.

The performances, particularly from the young leads, are the film’s beating heart. Shin Eun-soo, known for her role in Twinkling Watermelon, brings a delightful blend of earnestness and awkward charm to Se-ri. She manages to make Se-ri’s obsession with her hair feel endearing rather than superficial, grounding the character in a believable struggle.

Gong Myung, as the transfer student Yun-seok, is a revelation. He subverts the typical cold male lead archetype, portraying Yun-seok with a quiet warmth and subtle humor. His chemistry with Shin Eun-soo is a slow burn that feels incredibly natural, building a connection rooted in mutual understanding rather than dramatic tropes. The real magic of the film lies in their dynamic, as Yun-seok gently nudges Se-ri toward self-love without ever explicitly telling her what to do.

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Cha Woo-min, as the handsome crush, Kim Hyeon, serves his purpose well, but the real love story isn’t about him. It’s about Se-ri’s burgeoning friendship with Yun-seok and, more importantly, with herself. The film’s narrative arc is less about the dramatic chase and more about quiet moments of realization. The inclusion of beloved veteran actors in cameo roles adds an extra layer of comfort and familiarity, ensuring the film feels both fresh and timeless.

In a sea of formulaic rom-coms, Love Untangled stands out by being both sweet and surprisingly insightful. It uses the familiar trappings of a first-love story to explore a deeper message about learning to embrace your unique identity. By the time the credits roll, the film has successfully untangled more than just hair; it has unraveled the knots of insecurity and self-doubt that hold us back. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a film that is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking, with a message that the most beautiful love story is the one you have with yourself.

(YouTube. Images via Netflix)