In a provincial Chinese town, a savage rapist roams the streets at night, attacking women and girls. The crimes are being investigated by corrupt detectives whose sole aim is to quickly wrap up the case, even if it means sending the innocent to jail. Ethics are defunct; morality is in a state of total decline. What are the victims’ family and friends to think? This unusual crime drama is filmed in flawless long takes full of meaning. Dark, expansive shots predominate, as well as shadows expertly incorporated into the visual composition, the intra-shot montage. Silent Mist is a visually powerful thriller with a minimum of dialogue, ideal for big-screen viewing. Its typically muted palette is variegated by occasional colourful elements. Exuding suspense, it is also that rare breed of genre film that sets itself apart from mainstream dramaturgy; even when it makes use of genre conventions, it remains an authentic work of cinema, while making an earth-shaking statement about the world.