The 98th Academy Awards may have been a night of celebration for many, but for fans of Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice, it was a bitter pill to swallow. The film, which earned critical acclaim and a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, was conspicuously absent from every major category. Now, months later, it's finding a new life on streaming, proving that sometimes the best revenge is a good watchlist spot.
At this year's Oscars, Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another dominated the night with six wins, including Best Picture. Other winners like Sinners, F1, and KPop Demon Hunters also took home trophies. But for every celebrated film, there are always a few that slip through the cracks. No Other Choice was arguably the most glaring omission, leaving many critics and audiences scratching their heads.
The film, a dark comedy thriller from the director of Oldboy, stars Lee Byung-hun as Man-su, a man who goes to increasingly extreme lengths to get his job back after being fired. It's a premise that sounds like a twisted office comedy, and critics have been quick to praise its blend of humor and tension. Collider's own Ross Bonaime called it "yet another great film from Park, and one of the best dark comedies you'll see this year."
With a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid box office haul of $38 million against a modest $12 million budget, No Other Choice was clearly a hit with audiences. Yet, the Academy's snub felt like a missed opportunity to recognize one of the year's most inventive films. But as the saying goes, one door closes, another opens—and in this case, that door is on HBO Max.
As of this writing, No Other Choice has climbed into the top ten most-streamed movies on HBO Max worldwide. It's rubbing shoulders with blockbusters like Troy, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and both Mortal Kombat films. This resurgence is a testament to the film's enduring appeal and the power of streaming to give overlooked gems a second chance.
The success of No Other Choice on HBO Max is part of a larger trend of acclaimed films finding new audiences on streaming platforms. Just as Apple TV's Foundation finally paid off as a streaming hit, this Park Chan-wook thriller is proving that quality content will always find its way to viewers. It's also a reminder that awards season isn't the be-all and end-all; sometimes, the real victory is in the hearts of the audience.
For those who haven't yet experienced No Other Choice, now is the perfect time to dive in. Whether you're a fan of Park Chan-wook's previous work or just looking for a smart, darkly funny thriller, this film delivers on all fronts. And with its current streaming success, it's clear that word of mouth is doing what the Academy wouldn't.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it's exciting to see films like No Other Choice get a second life. It's a win for cinephiles and casual viewers alike, and a reminder that sometimes the best stories are the ones that don't get the gold statue—they get something even better: a devoted audience.
