‘YOLO’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - An Inspiring Story But Not Well-Executed

"Yolo" is a testament to actress and director Jia Ling's dedication to her craft, both in front of and behind the camera. The movie begins with Du Leying, a lazy, overweight woman in her thirties who is heavily dependent on her parents for her survival. Unemployed and lacking any motivation to find a job, Du Leying's life is a series of unfortunate events. Her boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend, who is now pregnant and planning to marry him. To add insult to injury, her best friend asks her to become her maid of honor to ensure that she won't be labeled a home wrecker.

Despite the relentless efforts of her parents and sister Ledan to help her find employment, Du Leying remains unresponsive. Her life takes a drastic turn after discovering her boyfriend's betrayal, leading to a heated argument with her sisters. Everything that can go wrong in her life happens. But Du Leying isn’t a woman who gives up easily. Ledan's harsh words spark a fire within her, and Du Leying decides to leave home to pursue independence. She finds a job as a waitress, marking the first step in reclaiming her life.

One fateful night, Du Leying meets Hao Kun, a boxing coach. She begins to develop feelings for him, but it remains unclear whether he reciprocates her love. Under Hao Kun's guidance, she embarks on a rigorous physical transformation, learning the art of boxing. Her dedication and hard work pay off as she loses 50 kg, despite being deemed "unqualified" multiple times. Her perseverance finally earns her a spot in a boxing match. Definitely, her family is proud of their daughter who was once nothing.

As Du Leying prepares for the fight, the film raises compelling questions: Will she win the match? Will she be able to prove her worth to those who betrayed her? "Yolo" is a poignant story of resilience, self-discovery, and redemption, brought to life through Jia Ling's passionate performance and direction. The film captures the essence of overcoming adversity and finding strength within oneself, making it a powerful and inspiring narrative.

Jia Ling's acting in "Yolo" is commendable; she truly excels in her role, and her physical transformation is particularly eye-catching. The film's primary focus is on depicting Du Leying as a loser, a shy, timid, and miserable woman. Throughout the first half of the movie, we witness how people around her betray her and how she becomes increasingly fearful. At times, it seems uncertain whether she will ever recover from the rock bottom she has hit.

However, the movie struggles with pacing, often feeling slow and unnecessarily drawn out. This sluggish tempo is its most significant drawback. Despite Jia Ling's strong performance and the compelling character arc of Du Leying, the film's inability to maintain a steady momentum detracts from its overall impact. Overall this is a one-time watch.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times