It’s often said that domestic horror films are synonymous with “vulgarity.”
This is particularly evident in:
The Posters
Featuring short skirts, exposed cleavage, and large breasts…
The director’s intentions are pretty clear.
The Visuals
Viewers often feel like they’ve stumbled onto the wrong set.
Beyond the constant attempts to push boundaries, the scripts and production quality are often lacking.
With censorship restrictions, they’re more laughable than scary.
Awkward, exaggerated, and absurd.
When will we finally get a domestic horror film that doesn’t make us cringe?
Surprisingly, it may have already arrived.
A Glimmer of Hope: Night of the Revenant
Initially, I approached Night of the Revenant with skepticism, expecting another flop.
Here’s why:
- It’s a web film, directed by Xiang Qiuliang and Xiang Hesheng, a duo known for consistently delivering mediocre works.
- The title feels like a blatant attempt to capitalize on the success of other films, such as The Return starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Stephen Chow’s comedy classic, Out of the Dark.
However, as a film critic, I felt obligated to watch it.
And to my surprise, it was actually good.
The Story Unfolds
The film opens on a stormy night.
The protagonist is frantically burying something in a desolate area.
Afterward, he struggles to start his car, becoming increasingly agitated.
An elderly man with one eye appears, scolding him for being late.
It turns out the protagonist is the new security guard for the nearby apartment building, and this is his first day.
The old man introduces him to the building’s history and strange occurrences.
oom 703
The protagonist is knocking on the door of 703, frustrated that the neighbor’s leaking AC is damaging his apartment below.
He intends to confront the neighbor.
However, the door is opened by an attractive woman.
Dressed in a revealing outfit, her wet hair and fair skin add to the sultry atmosphere.
In the confined space, the protagonist fixes the AC while stealing glances at her.
The neighbor invites him to stay for dinner as a thank you.
He removes his wedding ring and pretends to be single.
Over dinner, their connection deepens.
Soon, things escalate.
The protagonist makes excuses to his wife and spends his days with the neighbor.
He enjoys her cooking and charm.
However, their affair takes a dark turn when he experiences strange reactions after eating a pufferfish dish she prepares.
The neighbor also begins to act strangely, accusing him of devaluing her unborn child.
She becomes increasingly agitated.
Then, something terrifying happens…
He flees from Room 703, only to be met with the old man’s laughter.
The Second Story: Soul String
The old man begins to tell another story, Soul String.
Xiao Yu and her mother move into the apartment building for a fresh start.
However, Xiao Yu is still haunted by her past.
At her new dance class, she’s bullied and called the daughter of a murderer.
After class, they follow her home, tearing her dance clothes.
Xiao Yu endures the bullying, as her mother always tells her to avoid conflict.
She confides in a wooden puppet she finds in the apartment building.
To her surprise, the puppet comes to life.
Short, Sharp Shocks
The film is composed of interconnected stories with small casts and simple plots.
It’s a concise and well-produced film.
The visuals are stylish, and the atmosphere is enhanced by the soundtrack.
The acting is also impressive, with even minor characters delivering nuanced performances.
For example, Liu Yuanyuan’s portrayal of the neighbor is captivating.
Initially, she’s charming and seductive.
Her eyes are alluring, and her figure is accentuated by her clothing.
Her scenes with the protagonist are surprisingly tasteful.
Can you recognize her from Kangxi’s Private Microservice Visits?
Is it Scary?
Unlike most domestic horror films, this one actually delivers scares.
Some viewers have even called it the scariest film they’ve seen in recent years.
In the first story, the protagonist experiences disturbing hallucinations after drinking the neighbor’s soup.
He sees her pregnant belly and witnesses her body contorting into unnatural shapes.
She gives birth to a monstrous flower.
In the second story, the scares are more direct.
Xiao Yu ties a red string from the puppet to her arm, and the puppet begins to move as she does.
The puppet takes revenge on those who bully her.
The bullies meet gruesome ends.
Is Xiao Yu controlling the puppet, or is the puppet acting on its own?
The Final Story: Night of the Revenant
The protagonist tries to leave after hearing the old man’s stories, but his daughter has turned into a clay figure.
He’s trapped in the apartment building.
The protagonist is connected to all three stories.
The time 23:00 appears repeatedly, suggesting that time is frozen.
The protagonist’s daughter shares the same name as the girl in Soul String and is also bullied.
In the end, it’s revealed that the stories are a reflection of the protagonist’s guilt after hitting an old man with his car.
Each story mirrors his own actions.
He betrayed his wife, had an affair, and failed to protect his daughter from bullies.
He ultimately chooses to save the old man, preventing his daughter from being labeled as the daughter of a murderer.
A Story of Humanity
The film explores themes of desire, inner demons, and conscience.
It’s a horror film that focuses on humanity and evokes emotions.
It leaves the audience with something to ponder long after the credits roll.