Direction: Lou Ye
Country: China
From Lou Ye, the Chinese filmmaker behind Suzhou River (2000) and Summer Palace (2006), An Unfinished Film is a COVID-era docu-fiction arriving at a time when audiences are weary of the topic. Blending outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage from Ye’s previous works, the film follows a film crew that reunites in a Wuhan hotel to resume a project interrupted a decade ago. However, their plans are derailed as they find themselves trapped under strict government lockdown measures, separated from their families on New Year’s Eve.
At its best, the film effectively conveys the terror and helplessness felt by an entire population. Yet, its overall impact is underwhelming, struggling to develop a compelling narrative with its sluggish pacing. While frustration, paranoia, and isolation are palpable themes, the film never quite taps into their full psychological horror. Additionally, the reliance on mobile phone footage detracts from the experience, contributing to a bland drama that ultimately tests our patience with its predictability and absence of surprises.
