Turtle Soup 2022
In Martin Hong's intimate drama Turtle Soup (2022), a mother's quest for honesty takes an unexpected emotional turn.
Director: Martin Hong
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turtle Soup (2022) about?
Turtle Soup follows single mother Aileen as she takes her young son on a day of activities to uncover why he got into a school fight. What begins as a search for answers turns into a journey of emotional reckoning, forcing her to confront her own pain and the changes in their family dynamic.
Who directed Turtle Soup?
Turtle Soup was directed by Martin Hong, a filmmaker known for crafting emotionally resonant short films that explore family dynamics with subtlety and depth.
Who stars in Turtle Soup?
The main cast includes the lead actress in the role of Aileen, alongside her young co-star as her son, and supporting actors who appear briefly as figures in their shared world.
Is Turtle Soup (2022) worth watching?
Though brief, Turtle Soup delivers a powerful emotional punch, making it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven dramas. With a runtime of just 15 minutes, it's an accessible story that lingers long after the credits roll, especially for anyone touched by themes of parenthood or separation.
How long is Turtle Soup?
Turtle Soup has a runtime of 15 minutes.
About Turtle Soup (2022) — A heartfelt short film about motherhood and hidden emotions
In Martin Hong's intimate drama Turtle Soup (2022), a mother's quest for honesty takes an unexpected emotional turn. When Aileen discovers her ex-husband won't explain their eight-year-old son's school fight, she decides to spend the day with him instead, hoping to uncover the truth through shared activities. As they paddle boats, share meals, and explore quiet corners of their city, the boy's presence stirs memories Aileen thought were buried—her grief over lost time together and the reality of his new family life. The film delicately balances tender moments with quiet heartache, painting a portrait of parenting, loss, and the slow healing that comes when facing what we've been avoiding.
A 15-minute short film, Turtle Soup unfolds like a snapshot of real life—raw, understated, and deeply human. Hong crafts an atmosphere of quiet introspection, where every glance and silence speaks volumes. The story explores themes of single parenthood, emotional distance, and the complex emotions tied to co-parenting, all while avoiding melodrama in favor of authentic, relatable storytelling.