He Fei (Zhu Yilong) and his wife, Li Muzi (Huang Kay), go on a holiday together in Southeast Asia to celebrate their anniversary. Unfortunately, while they looked forward to relaxation and celebration, the holiday turns for the worst as Li Muzi suddenly disappears. He Fei visits the local police station for assistance but is refused any help due to their heavy workload, and he is told that the case will be prioritised if a dead body shows up. Things only get worse for He Fei after his trip to the police.
When He Fei wakes up the following day, he discovers a woman in his bed who claims to be his wife, Li Muzi (Janice Man). However, He Fei has never seen her and is confident a stranger is trying to take his wife’s place. Moreover, he realises that this mysterious woman has been replaced in all the photos on his phone, and even when he visits the local places he has been with his wife, he finds the security footage seems to have been altered. He Fei suspects that this woman pretending to be his wife is trying to steal his money and his fortune. Frustrated with the police’s lack of assistance, He Fei hires a highly skilled lawyer, Chen Mai (Ni Ni), to investigate and gather evidence with him on this strange and bizarre situation. However, as they delve deeper into the case, He Fei and Chen Mai encounter even more inexplicable and eerie events.
Lost in the Stars is a thrilling movie that starts quickly. Directors Rui Cui and Xiang Liu have crafted a film with several significant aspects, especially in the story and mystery. I found myself continuously trying to guess what would happen next. In the opening act, the plot is so well introduced that it’s impossible not to be instantly hooked and curious. Did Li Muzi disappear? Is she dead? Is He Fei going insane? And is the mysterious woman found in his bed his wife? The list goes on. The conclusion is highly effective and rewarding, providing audiences with many surprises throughout the film.
The performances of Yilong Zhu as He Fei and Ni Ni as Chen Mai are impressive, and they work well together in an unlikely partnership to try and solve a mystery and evade an unknown villain. The visuals are stunning, with sharp, crisp, and colourful scenes pleasing to the eye, which is no surprise as director Xiang Liu has worked in cinematography and photography on previous projects. However, the film has minor issues, such as revealing key details too early. These reveals somewhat spoil major twists before they occur despite attempts to mislead the audience with some twists and turns. The movie’s length is also noticeable, especially in the third act, where a significant showdown occurs before a heavy, drawn-out conclusion.
Overall, Lost in the Stars is an exceptional and enjoyable mystery film that wastes no time getting started. The plot is intriguing and well-presented, keeping the audience curious and engaged throughout. The lead actors, Yilong Zhu and Ni Ni, deliver convincing and believable performances. The visuals are also impressive, with moments of vivid colour and sharp attention to detail. While the ending is satisfying, it is slow-paced and packed with significant revelations and tragic elements. Some twists may be predictable, but all in all, Lost in the Stars is a must-watch for anyone looking for a new, exciting thriller that will keep you guessing.
8.0/10
20th April 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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