Here’s a deep dive into Malice (2025), the Chinese mystery–drama directed by Mukuan Lai and Wenyi Yao:
🎬 Overall Reception & Ratings
- Rotten Tomatoes: Only 1 critic review (Carla Hay) alongside mixed audience input. Ratings hover around 55–58% .
- IMDb: Average score of 6.1/10 based on over 1,000 votes .
- Letterboxd & FilmFlow: Mixed reviews highlight both engrossing twists and heavy melodrama.
🌟 What Works Well
1. Intriguing Mystery & Twisty Narrative
The film kicks off like a whodunit—who pushed a nurse and a child from a rooftop—and steadily layers on suspense. As one Letterboxd reviewer put it:
“Lai Mukuan & Yao Wenyi’s Malice is Anatomy of a Fall’s terminally‑online cousin… twisty… visually‑engaging.”
Another noted the film “spirals from a simple whodunit” into something emotionally involving .
2. Strong Performances
Even critics who found the plot overblown praised the cast. Zhang Xiaofei, as the lead journalist, anchors the story well . Supporting actors deliver credible, empathetic turns, helping viewers connect through the twists.
3. Effective Social Media Commentary
Malice critiques how tragedies spiral online, a theme many felt was delivered with impact. From Rotten Tomatoes:
“Tackles…social media’s influence” and interweaves multiple character arcs brilliantly.
⚠️ Where It Falls Short
1. Preachiness & Heavy-Handed Themes
A frequently cited issue is the film’s didactic tone. Caricatures and overt messaging overshadow nuance:
“Aimed solely at lecturing… treated as kindergarten moral basics”.
Multiple reviews note it becomes “preachy” about social media .
2. Over-the-Top Melodrama
The emotional and visual delivery often spills into soap-opera territory. Critics describe frenetic editing, stylized color-grading, and almost comical dramatic beats.
3. Predictable Twists
Although packaged as twists, many were anticipated:
“Twists are kinda predictable… but still enjoyable”.
🔍 Tone & Direction
- Pacing: Some viewers felt the first half moved too quickly—foregoing time to build emotional weight—while the latter half pulled them back in .
- Visual & Sound Style: Bold color-grading and sharp audio editing divided viewers; some admired the aesthetic, while others found it harsh.
- Message Focus: Whether it leans toward supporting government regulation of media or presents a moral parable is up for debate—some find it commendable, others heavy-handed .
📌 Final Take
✅ Pros:
- Gripping mystery with multiple absorbing layers
- Talented cast who bring gravitas
- Timely commentary on digital-age information pitfalls
❌ Cons:
- Tone swings between overdramatic and preachy
- Heavy-handed thematic delivery
- Plot twists can feel telegraphed
Who Will Love It:
- Fans of Chinese dramas who appreciate emotional intensity and stylized storytelling
- Viewers interested in media ethics and how online outrage shapes narratives
- Those who enjoy twist-packed mysteries, even if they’re not entirely subtle
Who Might Skip It:
- If you dislike overt moralizing or rapid tonal shifts
- If you prefer understated, character-driven suspense
- If unpredictable plot twists are crucial for your engagement
🍿 In Summary
Malice is an ambitious, visually striking thriller that engages with relevant social themes. It’s most successful when it leans into its mystery and performances—not as much when moral commentary overshadows dramatic nuance. If you’re drawn to bold stylistic choices, ethical conversations, and layered mysteries, it’s worth checking out—just brace for some melodramatic turns.