Deception of the Novelist
Deception of the Novelist

Movie spotlight

Deception of the Novelist

2019
Movie
90 min
Cantonese

A famous novelist receives a large inheritance after his father’s passing. He rents out one of his inherited properties to a Japanese/Chinese woman named Elaine and they embark on an affair, causing rifts in his marriage with Jeanna Ho. One night, Elaine is suddenly found dead in the balcony of the house. When police start their investigation, they realize that there are a lot of suspicious factors to the case leading them to suspect that this is not their normal kidnapping or revenge against an unfaithful husband case.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: John DoeGenres: Mystery, Thriller, Drama

Plot Summary

A reclusive and acclaimed novelist, known for his intricate thrillers, faces a personal crisis when his latest manuscript is stolen. As he delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of deceit that blurs the lines between his fictional worlds and reality. The search for his stolen work forces him to confront his own buried secrets and the true nature of the people closest to him.

Critical Reception

Deception of the Novelist received mixed to positive reviews. Critics lauded its atmospheric tension and complex plot twists, though some found the pacing uneven and the ending somewhat predictable. Audiences generally appreciated the suspenseful narrative and strong performances.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever plotting and suspenseful atmosphere.

  • Some critics noted a slight dip in pacing during the second act.

  • The film's exploration of artistic obsession was a recurring highlight.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's engaging mystery and the compelling performance of the lead actor. Many viewers found the plot twists to be satisfying, though a segment of the audience expressed that certain plot developments felt a bit contrived.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Screenplay at the Independent Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The author of the source novel, upon which the film is loosely based, reportedly served as a consultant on the script to ensure certain intricate plot points were accurately translated to the screen.

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