An Unfinished Film is a deeply relatable docu-fiction about filmmaking and life during the pandemic.
Director: Ye Lou
Genre: Drama
Run Time: 105 minutes
U.S. Release: March 14, 2025 (limited)
U.K. Release: TBA
Where to Watch: At NYC’s Film Forum and other cities
Lou Ye’s An Unfinished Film explores the process of making a movie amid the chaos of the pandemic. The film cleverly blends reality with fiction. While the story is fictional, it draws heavily from the real-life challenges Lou faced during production. Multiple cameras capture the behind-the-scenes moments, guiding us through the filmmaking turmoil.
The crew you see on screen are the actual team behind An Unfinished Film, including actors like Qin Hao and Qi Xi, who portray fictional versions of themselves. The only actor stepping into a different role is Mao Xiaorui, who plays the fictional director instead of Lou Ye.
The film unfolds in three acts that increasingly break down due to the pandemic. Traditional storytelling crumbles away, giving rise to a new cinematic language driven by video calls and phone screens. This unique approach captures the essence of the lockdown experience in a way that feels both genuine and innovative.
The story starts with director Xiaorui (Mao Xiaorui) and his team discovering old footage from a project they abandoned a decade ago. They see a younger Jian Cheng (Qin Hao) in the footage, and Xiaorui attempts to persuade him to help finish the film. The actual unused footage from Lou Ye’s past works adds a nostalgic depth to their discussions, allowing viewers to appreciate what was left undone. As we watch, we too feel the allure of unfinished potential.
After convincing his crew to revive the old film, the narrative moves to the production phase. Here, An Unfinished Film takes on a thriller-like documentary style as a new virus begins to spread. The crew receives alarming news, leading to panic and uncertainty. As crew members face isolation, the reality of their situation sinks in. They find themselves sealed inside a hotel, with each person confined to their own space.
This final act is particularly relatable; many of us remember the hours spent alone during lockdown. The film shifts its format, opting for recorded phone screens to depict their struggles. What might have been a limitation instead becomes a powerful storytelling tool, illustrating the need for human connection despite physical barriers. One of the film’s standout scenes highlights this, featuring crew members joyfully dancing together, even while separated.
An Unfinished Film focuses more on experimentation than on a conventional plot. The real-life drama surrounding its creation adds layers of complexity. These genuine challenges shape the film, making them an essential part of its narrative. Instead of feeling like an afterthought, they become the essence of the story, resulting in an intriguing viewing experience.
Synopsis:
When director Xiaorui decides to finish a long-dormant film, whispers of a new virus disrupt their plans, forcing the crew back into isolation.
- Pros:
- Innovative storytelling techniques
- Authentic depiction of emotional turmoil during lockdown
- Deep layers of narrative
- Cons:
- May come across as overly self-referential
An Unfinished Film will premiere in the U.S. at NYC’s Film Forum on March 14, 2025, with screenings planned for additional cities. It will also feature at the East Asia Film Festival Ireland on March 23.
