WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Experiencing the jitters. It’s true that we ALL know what it’s like to be facing an upcoming circumstance in our lives that manages to find a way to have us on edge, nervous, even questioning the choices made that have led us to that upcoming juncture. It could be a redefining moment that alters our path forever. But, then we must choose to see our way through it logically and with confidence all will be well, or……? For Chenyu (Zhao Chen Yu) and Jaiming (Chen Xi), it is the night before they are to be married, and her unsettled sleep prompts the couple to begin to turn their bedroom into a spontaneous confessional, which will soon not just reveal the groom’s past, but an ever larger (and far more shocking) truth.
Next, my Mind:
One of the things I relish so deeply about being a critic is the opportunity it has presented (and continues to do so, of course) to witness such a plethora of indie filmmaking prowess from all around the world, taking in the similarities that span across all countries while likewise absorbing the uniqueness of cultural nuances, traditions, beliefs, and more that get expressed through this medium. With this 27-minute short film effort from writer/director/producer Archie, producers Wang Xiang Yin and Suo Tao, and executive producer Zhu Xiang Yang, we are entreated to a slice of life as seen through the eyes of Chinese moviemaking genius that not only grabs your attention and maintains it for the film’s full runtime, but leaves an undeniably enduring impression on you that, this critic feels, will cause you to once more applaud the ongoing magic that is independent cinema and its ability to showcase intelligent storytelling, character-driven focus, and an all-around excellence in execution that so much of the mainstream continues to lack.
With a perfectly paced, steadily building aura of anticipation, tension, and raw emotional potency, the narrative that sees a soon-to-be-married couple choosing to get over the bride’s pre-big day anxiousness through an airing of secrets that may or may not end up being of any actual comfort when what’s brought about by the conversation paints a much more questionable tapestry of decisions made and sins of the past finding their way into our journey again threatening to undermine all we’ve strived for, it’s carried off with a palpably resonating, wholly impactful energy and deft touch that does amazing justice to the material. This is to say that, on some levels, it COULD have just been your average little drama/suspense effort that would have still been GOOD, but not GREAT. Instead, this project in my opinion is a masterpiece of cleverly produced artistry deserving of notice and recognition. The tone established and a magnificently “keep you guessing what’s reality” format just does wonders for the storyline being delivered.
Additionally, and as with many well-done indie films, we’re privy to numerous thematic explorations here that encompass an equally prolific scope of concepts from basics like love, support for one another, the aforementioned pre-wedding day nerves, and the willingness to communicate to much broader, deeper, and at times more potentially ominous factors taken to extremes when it comes to family honor, greed, deceit, manipulation, dark revelations and ambitions, among other ideas. The manner in which these elements are taken into account throughout the film is what makes it the highly effective gem that the story is, and by the time you’ve reached the absolutely insane finale, which is THEN topped off with a post-credits sequence to boot, it’s pure moviemaking brilliance. The visual clarity of the project is simply gorgeous, embracing and capturing all imagery with complete intent that aids in driving home the immensity of what we’re a witness to as it unfolds before our eyes, hauntingly beautiful while eerily disquieting.
Believability is what I often laud about indie film when it comes not just to story and character development, but also to the actors who bring these tales to life. Here, we begin with Zhao Chen Yu and her role as a namesake character Chenyu, the young, vibrant bride-to-be who finds herself accosted by a nightmare that awakes her on the night before the ceremony. Unable to go back to sleep, she soon has a full-on conversation with her husband-to-be having no secrets between them that takes a decidedly unexpected turn. What I admire about Chenyu’s performance is how understated so much of it is, very natural and honestly straightforward, yet that’s what makes it so apropos and fully persuasive. You invest in the character and get an absolutely stellar payoff for it. A great job all around by the actress and a testament to how acting out characters with a relatable, grounded demeanor greatly assists in gaining that feeling of inclusion in the narrative as a viewer.
Likewise, Chen Xi elicits a similar level of attachment for us through his portrayal of Jaiming, a confident, successful businessman who wakens to become first a comforter to his soon-to-be-bride, then her confessor, then a divulger of his own past that manifests into a far murkier tale of misdeeds and unveiled ambitions which one could only begin to surmise might be a “beginning of the end” scenario given the path events start to diverge into. His willingness to even admit what he does already spells an air of undisguised apprehension for Chenyu, but his assurances that all will be well seems to allow his overwhelmed conscious to cope with what he now faces and the consequent ramifications his actions lead to. It’s awesome to watch Xi navigate his character through this troubling and tumultuous ocean of circumstances, and Xi brings both calm certainty and building fervency to Jaiming, soon causing us to decide if we support him or not. As with Chenyu, it’s a great performance that aids us in diving into the story being conveyed.
Then there is pure, serene energy then unbridled intensity of Wang Qiu Ying in her primary co-starring role as Xiao Zhou, a key factor from Jaiming’s past who could become a catalyst for drastic change in his current life’s course. Honestly, it is hard not to share more, but to do so would truly end up venturing into spoiler territory and I will NOT do that. I will instead state that Qiu Ying’s performance is beyond excellent and the burning fire of slighted innocence then beguiling menace she represents in the story is a true treat to take in. The key supporting role is brought to bear by guest star Cheng Cheng as Lucy, yet another facet of Jaiming’s history who also plays into the unfolding tale in a specific and certainly relevant way. You must see the film to understand fully as I will not reveal more about the character here. Cheng does a wonderful job enacting a woman of means who may or may not ALSO become a foil to Jaiming’s upcoming commitments.
As I usually try to do with casts, I love to at minimum acknowledge the appearances of additional supporting roles, as I feel it is important to do so, and here are performed by Wang Guo Zeng, Wang Xiang Yin, Se Lin Na, Quan Xiao Min, Shi Min, Xue Lei, Zhang En Yang, Sun Meng Lin, Song Pei Qi, Hao Kui, Chen Ying Bin, Ren Sheng Guo, Wang Hui Min, Sun Xin, Zhang Yang, Wang Kai Rui, Liu Xin, and Ma Yu Hang. So, in total, “The Night Before The Wedding” is an adeptly accomplished, consummately engaging, astutely conceived indie short film effort that more than compellingly aids to define the merits and strength of heart, mind, and passion indie filmmakers possess in putting forth top notch projects in order to keep us reminded that this remains the grander genre where the unfeigned, uncompromising, fiery core that is the ART of cinema still burns bright.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
