Oct. 16, 2020|Hong Kong|95 Min.|R
Genre: Science;Fiction;Thriller
Description: “The Calm Beyond,” a 2020 film, follows the story of a young woman living in secrecy within a ruined Hong Kong building after a devastating tsunami. Her hidden life takes a dramatic turn when a young child unexpectedly enters her world. Blending elements of survival thrillers like *Waterworld* and *A Quiet Place*, the film excels as a suspenseful narrative. Director Joshua Wong and co-writer Heather Gornall immerse viewers in this dystopian setting without lengthy backstory, focusing instead on the tension and atmosphere.
Cinematographer Nathan Wong delivers stunning visuals, combining speculative CGI with a lived-in, post-apocalyptic environment. The film’s claustrophobic scenes, set in dark, water-filled spaces, heighten the sense of danger as mysterious antagonists pursue the protagonists. The gripping climax leaves the story open to interpretation, hinting at potential future developments in Wong’s planned sci-fi series, *Invasion*.
As Joshua Wong’s feature debut, *The Calm Beyond* is a significant achievement, especially considering it was created while he battled cancer. Set in a tsunami-ravaged Hong Kong, it explores themes of survival, regret, and trauma through the lens of a young woman’s struggle. The film’s creative lighting and seamless visual effects enhance its polished and contemplative tone, making it a standout in contemporary Hong Kong cinema.
Cast director: Joshua Wong
Cast actor: Kara Wang, Sarinna Boggs, Terence Yin, Joyce Cheng, Jai Day, Timmy Gunn, Jason Lim, Jane Wong, Rodney Wong
Original name: The Calm Beyond