Movie spotlight
Lapse
Chengming, a university student who accidentally gains supernatural powers, finds out that he loses his memory every time he uses them and starts recording his daily life using his phone. Chengming and the witnesses of his accident, Lin and Hwei, grow closer together as they experiment with Chengming's supernatural powers. Chengming starts falling in love with Lin but gets anxious when he finds out that she is from a wealthy family, unlike his own background. Chengming realizes that his superpowers are not adding any value to his life when he is persuaded by Hwei to invade the factory owner that hurt his mother. He heads over to the factory solely relying on Hwei's camera.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, haunted by a recurring nightmare of a past trauma, begins to question her reality. As the lines between her dreams and waking life blur, she must confront the terrifying truth before it consumes her entirely. The film explores themes of memory, guilt, and the fragility of the human psyche.
Critical Reception
Lapse garnered significant attention on the festival circuit for its atmospheric tension and psychological depth. Critics praised its effective use of sound design and visual storytelling, particularly given its short runtime. While some found the ending ambiguous, the overall reception was positive, highlighting its effectiveness as a modern horror short.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension.
Commended for strong visual and sound design within a short format.
Noted for exploring complex themes of trauma and reality.
Google audience: Information not available for Google User ratings.
Awards & Accolades
Selected for various international film festivals, including Fantasia International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Chris Cronin reportedly drew inspiration for the film's haunting visuals from personal experiences with sleep paralysis.
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