Director Kim Bo-sol infuses a classic story of star-crossed lovers with elements of a le Carré-esque spy thriller in this impressive directorial debut that evokes the likes of The Live of Others. Set in North Korea, the film follows Isak, a Swedish diplomat stationed in Pyongyang. Despite being under constant surveillance, Isak hides a secret love affair with traffic cop Bok-joo. When Bok-joo goes missing, Isak courageously sets out to find her. Despite its limited budget (Kim took up most creative positions himself), The Square is an exquisitely drawn and engrossing portrait of life in an authoritarian state.