Netflix’s Pavane Review: A Slow Romance That Struggles to Take Flight

Netflix’s latest romantic drama Pavane embraces the meaning of its title — a slow, stately dance — by presenting a restrained and reflective love story set in Seoul. Directed by Lee Jong-pil, the film moves at an intentionally unhurried pace, focusing on subtle emotional connections rather than dramatic storytelling. While the approach promises poetic depth, the film often struggles to generate emotional momentum.

Set within the fluorescent corridors of a modest department store, the narrative follows three emotionally scarred young adults navigating loneliness, regret, and the quiet hope of human connection.

A Story Told Through Silence and Subtlety

Mi-jeong, played by Go Ah-sung, lives with the emotional burden of lifelong judgment and isolation. She retreats into herself after years of feeling overlooked. Kyung-rok, portrayed by Moon Sang-min, is a former dancer whose dreams have stalled, leaving him working in a parking garage while grappling with lost ambition. Byun Yo-han’s Yo-han observes life from a distance, caught between cynicism and cautious hope.

Their lives intersect through quiet moments rather than dramatic declarations. Shared silences, hesitant glances, and near connections form the emotional fabric of the film. The camera lingers patiently, allowing discomfort and longing to coexist.

At its best, this stillness reflects real emotional experiences — slow, uncertain, and rarely resolved with cinematic clarity.

When Restraint Turns into Stagnation

However, the film’s deliberate pacing sometimes drifts into inertia. The central romance remains fragile and tentative but never fully develops into an emotionally compelling arc. While the possibility of deeper connection is hinted at, the emotional spark never fully ignites.

As the narrative introduces heavier emotional turns and personal setbacks, the foundation feels underdeveloped. The story asks for emotional investment but withholds catharsis to the point where longing begins to feel distant rather than intimate.

Performances Provide Emotional Grounding

Despite pacing issues, the performances provide strength and nuance. Moon Sang-min brings quiet vulnerability to Kyung-rok, suggesting hidden ambition and regret beneath his stillness. Go Ah-sung emerges as the emotional anchor of the film, conveying resilience and pain through restrained expressions. Byun Yo-han adds balance to the trio, though his character remains underexplored.

When the three share scenes, glimpses of a more emotionally powerful film emerge — intimate, subtle, and quietly moving.

A Romance That Hints at Greater Potential

Pavane is crafted with clear intention and occasional moments of genuine beauty. However, it leaves a lingering sense of unrealised potential. The film possesses the elements of a deeply affecting romance but never fully builds toward an emotional crescendo.

The deliberate tempo mirrors the dance it is named after — graceful and controlled — yet the narrative progression feels circular rather than transformative.

Now streaming on Netflix, Pavane may appeal to viewers who appreciate slow, introspective storytelling, though those seeking emotional intensity may find its restraint limiting.