Lost in the Stars (2022)
He Fei’s wife vanishes on their anniversary trip, only for a mysterious woman to claim her identity. Can he uncover the truth?
MyDramaList Rating
Info
| Original Title | 消失的她 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Duration | 121 mins |
| Status | Released |
| Year | 2022 |
| Release Date | June 22, 2023 |
Trailer
Synopsis
He Fei's wife, Li Muzi, disappears during their anniversary trip. When she reappears, he insists that she is not his wife. As Chen Mai, a top lawyer gets involved in this bizarre case, more mysteries start to emerge.
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Editor's Review
Lost in the Stars (消失的她) is a captivating Chinese mystery crime drama that has garnered significant attention since its release. Directed by Cui Rui and Liu Xiang, the film stars Zhu Yilong, Ni Ni, and Janice Man. It is based on the 1960 French play “Trap for a Lonely Man” by Robert Thomas and the 1990 Soviet film adaptation by Alexey Korenev.
The story revolves around He Fei (played by Zhu Yilong), whose wife, Li Muzi (Ni Ni), mysteriously disappears during their anniversary trip to a fictional Southeast Asian island called Barlandia. The plot thickens when a woman claiming to be Li Muzi appears, possessing intimate knowledge and even physical marks that match He Fei’s wife. This leads He Fei to seek the help of Chen Mai (Janice Man), a renowned lawyer, to unravel the truth behind this bizarre situation.
Plot and Themes
“Lost in the Stars” is a masterful blend of suspense and psychological drama. The film’s narrative is reminiscent of Hitchcockian thrillers, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with its twists and turns. The central theme revolves around identity and deception, exploring how far one can go to uncover the truth. The film also delves into the emotional turmoil of He Fei, portraying his desperation and determination to find his wife.
Performances
Zhu Yilong delivers a compelling performance as He Fei, capturing the character’s anguish and confusion with great depth. Ni Ni, in her dual role, showcases her versatility, making the audience question her true identity throughout the film. Janice Man’s portrayal of Chen Mai adds a layer of sophistication and intelligence to the narrative, making her character a crucial part of the investigation.
Cinematography and Direction
The film’s cinematography is visually stunning, with the semi-tropical setting of Barlandia adding an exotic and mysterious backdrop to the story. The directors, Cui Rui and Liu Xiang, have done an excellent job of maintaining a tight narrative pace, ensuring that the suspense never wanes. The use of close-up shots and dim lighting enhances the film’s tense atmosphere, making the audience feel the protagonist’s anxiety and fear.
Critique
While “Lost in the Stars” is a gripping thriller, it is not without its flaws. Some critics argue that the plot becomes overly convoluted towards the end, making it somewhat difficult to follow. Additionally, the film’s reliance on dramatic twists might feel excessive to some viewers. However, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.
Conclusion
“Lost in the Stars” is a must-watch for fans of mystery and psychological thrillers. Its engaging plot, strong performances, and atmospheric cinematography make it a standout film in contemporary Chinese cinema. Despite its occasional narrative complexities, the film succeeds in keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
Have you watched “Lost in the Stars”? What did you think of the twists and turns in the story?