Su-hyeon, an art teacher, and Ji-young, a contract worker, have lived together for six years. To his surprise, Su-hyeon finds out that Ji-young is late on her period. One night, the couple heads to of Ji-young’s parents’ new home. The housewarming party, however, will soon dissolve in ill humor…

Kim Dae-hwan won the Best Emerging Director award at Locarno for this playful and moving drama. Steeped in the politics and societal expectations of South Korea, and with echoes of Hong Sang-soo’s formal ingenuity, The First Lap is a sharp portrait of young adulthood and stagnant relationships.