Demons

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Ambitious young actress Vicki lands the starring role in a promising theatre production in Singapore. What seems like the opportunity of a lifetime, however, turns out to be the beginning of a story of creeping abuse at the hands of director Daniel, for whom sadistic violence and artistic practice are inseparable. But power dynamics can change . . .
In Demons, Daniel Hui plumbs the depths of his protagonists’ emotional states in profound, intricate fashion in both rehearsal scenes and in their private lives, bringing to light bitter truths about power structures and dependencies in the world of art and culture, which can be based on psychic pressure and manipulation. At the same time, the film serves as a societal seismograph, affording the viewer pitiless glimpses into the darkest corners of interpersonal relationships. Aided by a sophisticated sound design, Hui folds a complex mixture of horror and satirical elements into this story of mysterious ghosts. These various spectres appear in the plot like eruptive manifestations of the human psyche – and spin increasingly out of control. Sometimes it’s better to leave the genie in the bottle.

details

  • Runtime

    83 min
  • Country

    Singapore
  • Year of Presentation

    2019
  • Year of Production

    2018
  • Director

    Daniel Hui
  • Cast

    Yanxuan Vicki Yang, Glen Goei, Viknesh Kobinathan, Eshley Gao, Tan Bee Thiam, Daniel Hui, Violet Goh
  • Production Company

    13 Little Pictures
  • Berlinale Section

    Forum
  • Berlinale Category

    Feature Film

Filmography Daniel Hui

2007 The Bracelet | 2008 Dreams of Youth | 2009 One Day in June | 2011 Eclipses | 2013 Animal Spirits | 2014 Snakeskin