If you’re looking for an animated movie that actually pulls at your heartstrings, makes you ugly cry, and then somehow leaves you feeling hopeful — Lost in Starlight is it. Set in a gorgeous, neon-lit future Seoul, this movie is equal parts sci-fi, rom-com, and emotional rollercoaster wrapped up in a dazzling animation package. Trust me, it’s one of those rare films that manages to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming, all while exploring some pretty big themes: grief, dreams, and what it means to let someone love you even when you think you don’t deserve it.
Plot & Characters: Star-Crossed in More Ways Than One 🚀🎶
The story follows Nan-young, an ambitious astronaut whose mother tragically died on Mars. Her grief hasn’t just hurt her — it’s built walls around her heart, fueling her single-minded goal to follow her mother’s footsteps to the red planet. Enter Jay, a shy but talented musician who’s too afraid to truly let his voice shine. When their worlds collide, Nan-young and Jay spark a romance that’s as beautiful as it is complicated — because she’s heading to Mars and he’s stuck on Earth.
Their connection is subtle yet powerful, and the film leans into the classic “he fell first, she fell harder” trope with a sprinkle of bittersweet, time-limited romance. Watching these two navigate love while physically worlds apart (literally galaxies away) will have you reaching for tissues — and your phone, because the soundtrack makes you want to text someone you probably shouldn’t.
Visuals & Animation: Eye Candy for the Soul 🎨✨
Okay, Lost in Starlight is a feast for the eyes. The animation style is a gorgeous blend of Asian and American influences that somehow avoids all the usual clichés. The 2050s Seoul is a neon dreamscape — think rainy streets lit up with glowing signs, cozy rooms filled with holograms and plants, and the infinite, haunting beauty of space.
Every frame is carefully crafted, with clever use of light, shadow, and color palettes that mirror the characters’ emotional journeys. It’s the kind of film where the visuals don’t just set the scene — they tell the story on their own. If you loved the eye-popping beauty of Your Name, you’ll find a lot to admire here.
Themes & Emotional Impact: Grief Meets Hope 💔🌟
Here’s where Lost in Starlight really shines. It’s not just a sci-fi romance — it’s an exploration of how grief shapes us and how sometimes, love arrives unexpectedly to crack open the walls we build around ourselves. Nan-young’s grief over her mother’s death and her all-consuming ambition to be an astronaut feel deeply human. It’s a reminder that no matter how fast you run towards your dreams, unprocessed pain has a way of catching up.
Jay’s quiet journey to find his voice, bolstered by Nan-young’s belief in him, adds a beautiful layer of hope and growth. Their relationship gently but firmly reminds us that you can’t control when or how love shows up — sometimes, you just have to make room for it.
Fun Sci-Fi Twists & Future Tech 🤖📱
While the story is grounded in real emotions, the futuristic setting is full of fun details that spice things up. From holographic FaceTime calls between Mars and Seoul (talk about long-distance goals!) to sleek spacecraft and cutting-edge tech, the sci-fi elements never overpower the heart of the story. Instead, they give it a fresh vibe and even throw in some hopeful ideas about the future of relationships.
Soundtrack & Mood: A Playlist for Your Soul 🎧💖
The music in Lost in Starlight is another standout. It perfectly complements the emotional beats and the futuristic world, making you want to create a playlist that you both cry and vibe to. Honestly, the soundtrack alone might inspire you to text that special someone — or maybe someone from your past — because it’s just that heartfelt and catchy.
Stellar Cast Bringing Heart & Soul ✨
Lost in Starlight shines bright not just because of its story and animation, but also thanks to the incredible voice cast who truly bring these characters to life. Kim Tae-ri, best known for her powerful roles in Korean cinema, lends her voice to Nan-young, the determined and emotionally guarded astronaut chasing her dreams and wrestling with grief. Her performance is raw, heartfelt, and utterly convincing.
Opposite her, Hong Kyung voices Jay, the shy, talented musician struggling with stage fright and self-belief. Hong Kyung’s warm and gentle delivery perfectly captures Jay’s vulnerability and charm, making their chemistry feel genuine and deeply moving.
Together, these two create an emotional core that tugs on your heartstrings from the very start. It’s not just animation — it’s real human connection, voiced by some of South Korea’s brightest stars.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Watch? 🎬❤️
Lost in Starlight is perfect for anyone who loves a good cry, a beautiful love story, and smart, meaningful sci-fi. If you’re someone who’s built walls around your heart or just loves stories about chasing dreams while learning to love yourself and others — this is your movie.
It’s also a fantastic pick for fans of emotional K-Dramas, anime-style animation, and anyone who wants to see a fresh new voice in animation with a bold, confident vision. Director Han Ji-Won’s debut feature is not just a movie; it’s an experience — visually stunning, emotionally raw, and ultimately hopeful.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Grab some tissues, get comfy, and prepare for a beautifully starry night in with Lost in Starlight — streaming now on Netflix.