New crime film "A Place Called Silence" portrays a rather dark, thrilling and heart-wrenching story, touching on a variety of significant social topics including school bullying, juvenile crime and child abuse.

Cast and crew pose for a group photo at the premiere of "A Place Called Silence" in Beijing, July 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Maoyan Entertainment]

Directed by Sam Quah, known for the 2019 film "Sheep Without a Shepherd," "A Place Called Silence" features a suspenseful, complicated storyline that dives into the truth behind murders and campus bullying involving a mother and a mute daughter. Through rather violent, cruel scenes, the film's narrative explores heavy themes of human nature. 

The current theatrical release of "A Place Called Silence" is a remake of a project with the same name that Sam Quah started in 2018. The original version was shown at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) last year and garnered positive feedback. However, due to negative issues involving one of the lead actors, the original film was shelved. Truly considered as Quah's directorial debut, this crime thriller holds a special place in the director's heart, prompting him to undertake filming a remake.

With a new cast starring Wang Chuanjun, Janine Chang, Wang Shengdi and Francis Ng, the Malaysian director upgraded and transformed the film in many ways, such as with script, cinematography, art and performance. On set, Quah also placed the entire cast and crew in a harsh environment, which the actors playfully complained about at the premiere on July 3. Quah noted that with his directing he tried to "flip every character between victim and perpetrator."

Revealing the inspiration for the film, Quah said it came from a true news story about the murder of a girl. "In fact, when the incident occurred, many people heard noises, but everyone chose to remain silent and no one intervened or called the police, which ultimately led to the tragedy. Sometimes, silence can kill. When something happens, I hope everyone can reach out to help," he said.

"A Place Called Silence" has been generating buzz on social media and has grossed more than 150 million yuan by Friday since its release in China on Wednesday. It is expected to be a highlight among this summer's box office lineup. The director's previous blockbuster "Sheep Without a Shepherd" grossed 1.33 billion yuan.

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