When Anson Lo Hon-ting, the famous face from the Cantopop boy band Mirror, first tried his luck in Showbiz Spy as a movie protagonist, audiences found the portrayal somewhat light-hearted. However, Lo’s recent performance in ‘It Remains’ showcases a far more matured and adept acting flair, casting him as a haunted boyfriend ensnared in a dark and ominous dream world.
Directed by the Hong Kong-born, Melbourne-bred, and Los Angeles-educated filmmaker Kelvin Shum Ka-yin, ‘It Remains’ is the second venture into the cinematic world after ‘Deliverance’. Although the latter premiered outside of Hong Kong, it awaits its release in Shum’s birthplace. An intriguing trait common to both films is Shum’s notable talent in crafting visually arresting frames, even if the narrative might sometimes lack a logical progression. His storytelling often intricately weaves themes of familial trauma into the narrative, making it a signature characteristic of his directorial style.
The film’s captivating opening pulls viewers into the life of Finn, portrayed by Lo. Finn is a diligent waiter, but he’s battling internal demons, haunted by memories of his late girlfriend, Ava, played by Angela Yuen Lai-lam. The tragedy of her demise in a car crash has left Finn in a debilitating mental state, almost paralyzed by his grief. In a bid to perhaps find solace, he embarks on a questionable camping journey with friends Luke, Liam, and Cora to an isolated, eerie island village. The place, devoid of communication channels and any immediate means to return, sets a perfect ambiance for the unfolding horror.
The trope of a white-robed, long-haired woman making an appearance in Asian horror isn’t new. Yet, when she does appear in ‘It Remains’, along with the ominous warning from the village’s sole dweller, Uncle Wah (played by the martial arts legend David Chiang Da-wei), a wave of familiar dread sweeps over.
But, it’s the mid-section of the film that truly stands out. Here, Shum exhibits his brilliance by delving into a series of terrifying, dreamlike sequences where the characters confront their troubled pasts. This becomes the heart of the film, proving that sometimes style can indeed triumph over substance. Even though these stories might echo familiar themes, the atmosphere crafted by Shum, coupled with some of the most artfully executed visuals, gives Hong Kong horror cinema a piece to remember.
The latter part of the film dives into Uncle Wah’s heart-wrenching history and unveils the village’s sinister origins. While this portion might slightly dilute the overarching horror ambiance, there’s no arguing that ‘It Remains’ truly captures the essence of what keeps us awake at night during certain unforgettable moments.
READ MORE: