Choi Hee-seo Gets Standing Ovation at Sundance for 'Bedford Park': "Remarkable Discovery"

Actor Choi Hee-seo drew raves at the 42nd Sundance Film Festival with the Hollywood feature "Bedford Park".

Choi attended Sundance as the lead of "Bedford Park", which premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. The feature debut from writer-director Stephanie Ahn is inspired by her own story and follows Audrey (Choi), a Korean American woman, and Eli (Son Sukku), a former wrestler who was adopted as a child, as the two fall in love and confront old wounds together.

At its world premiere on January 24 (local time), "Bedford Park" wrapped to thunderous applause and a standing ovation, quickly becoming one of the buzziest titles in its section.

“It’s the day I’ve dreamed of for seven years. Standing here in front of this audience feels surreal,” Choi said after the screening. “I didn’t expect such an outpouring of emotion. We prepared for a long time with director Stephanie Ahn and actor Son Sukku, and sharing the laughs and tears with a packed theater was overwhelming in the best way.”

Following its first public bow, major outlets piled on the praise―especially for Choi’s performance. TheWrap called her “a remarkable discovery,” while Screen Daily wrote that “Choi Hee-seo and Son Sukku are the beating heart of a mesmerizing film.” IndieWire noted that Choi “balances restraint, overpowering emotion and fury,” and The Hollywood Reporter said the emotions “radiating from the cast feel remarkably authentic.” Screen Daily added that Choi “imbues Audrey―so used to meeting others’ expectations―with a subtle yet growing conviction that she deserves more.”

“"Bedford Park" came to me in 2019, when I flew to New York alone, auditioned, and landed the role,” Choi shared. “I was cast in my early 30s and wrapped in my late 30s. The film holds my entire decade, so it means more than just my first Hollywood lead.”

Choi also helped shape the film behind the scenes, recommending longtime friend and collaborator Son Sukku for the role of Eli and actively participating in the production process. The pair, who forged a close bond during their early, pre-fame days, not only star in "Bedford Park" but also came aboard on the producing side, reflecting their deep investment in the project.

Fresh off captivating industry insiders and global press at Sundance, Choi is poised for an expansive international run―following overseas performances in the play "The Cherry Orchard," she now fronts and produces a Hollywood feature with "Bedford Park". 

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)