After the stunning opening scene, the plot that followed was indeed more oppressive than the brilliant beginning. The radiant color palette seemed to be merely a fleeting moment, quickly buried by the dark gray tones of the frame.
A fallen victim, a friend seeking help, conflicting testimonies, an elusive truth. The tightly woven plot progressed gradually, revealing that what initially appeared to be an ordinary falling accident concealed various mysteries behind it...
Xiao Fang had originally planned to evaluate the film's quality as an objective reporter, but as she watched the protagonist running around seeking the truth behind the case, her heart grew heavy for the police officer and for the deceased who shared the officer's appearance.
To be fair, both protagonists of this film—the police officer and the deceased—had moments of raw acting. During the first shot, Xiao Fang could even detect traces of deliberate performance from the actor playing Bai Ri. But as the plot continued to unfold, whether because the actor's skills genuinely improved, or because Xiao Fang had grown accustomed to this somewhat exaggerated acting style, or perhaps both, she gradually found herself drawn into the story.
But while she wanted to focus on the film, someone didn't want her to concentrate solely on it—Old Chen was still sitting beside her, after all.
Although keeping quiet in a theater is a virtue, due to the premiere's seemingly insufficient publicity, the 300-seat screening hall wasn't full, with the last few rows mostly empty. Though this wasn't noticeable with the front seats filled, for Old Chen and Xiao Fang, as long as they didn't speak loudly, those in front wouldn't hear their hushed conversation.
Moreover, Old Chen had been in the film industry for quite some time. Although he wrote few reviews, focusing more on on-site reporting, he had developed a discerning eye from watching numerous films. Combined with his naturally expansive personality, both in physique and temperament, he couldn't keep quiet. Since talking now wouldn't disturb others, he began fanning himself with his notebook while chatting with Xiao Fang.
"This film is quite interesting," he said in a lowered voice. "Putting aside everything else, finding twins to play dual lead roles—that concept alone isn't easy to execute."
Xiao Fang was startled: "Aren't they the same person? I thought it was one actor playing both roles, since one appears in flashbacks and one in reality, so they never meet."
"They look very similar, but there are differences if you look carefully," Old Chen said mysteriously.
Xiao Fang scrutinized a few more shots but still couldn't tell the difference, so she turned to Old Chen with a questioning look.
With his vanity satisfied, Old Chen finally explained contentedly: "The one playing the police officer has ear piercings, the one playing the deceased doesn't."
Xiao Fang: "...That's not such a big distinction."
Old Chen shook his head: "It at least indicates the director's intent, showing she believed these two roles should be played by different people, even going to the trouble of finding twin actors. I'm guessing the relationship between the deceased and the police officer must be a crucial part of the film, perhaps even its core."
"Really?" Though Xiao Fang trusted Old Chen's professional experience, she remained skeptical about his film interpretation. "I thought this was a story about the deceased not actually being dead, disguising himself as a police officer to return and seek revenge. Or maybe the deceased's spirit possessed the police officer... Aren't these supernatural elements common in recent neo-orthodox mysteries?"
Old Chen chuckled: "I suspect it's not that simple."
Changing the subject, he continued: "Speaking of which, did you notice the deceased's friend? Do you think there's anything suspicious about him?"
"Not really?" Xiao Fang glanced at the time on her phone. "We're more than halfway through the film, and he only appears briefly to exchange information with the police officer. The police never investigated him, and no one mentioned any friction between him and the deceased—he has no motive."
"He might not be the killer, but his identity is certainly not so straightforward," Old Chen tried to be mysterious again, but seeing Xiao Fang turn away to continue watching, he realized this tactic wasn't working and continued, "Hey, hey, I have evidence for what I'm saying."
"Brother Chen, you haven't read the script."
"That's true," Old Chen retracted his double chin. "But I know he was the male lead in the director's previous film. After such a pleasant collaboration, the director wouldn't have him merely make a cameo in this film."
...So it was deduction from outside information.
Just as they were discussing this, the film moved to the next shot. Sharp-eyed Old Chen immediately fell silent, pointing at the screen with a smug "I-told-you-so" expression.
Xiao Fang looked up and was surprised to find that the person now at the center of the frame wasn't the police officer but Yuan You, the self-proclaimed friend of the deceased.
Could this person's identity really be more complex? Xiao Fang wavered.
Next, she watched Yuan You enter the homeroom teacher's office, engage in a back-and-forth with her, successfully causing her to lose composure, and record her careless words. After giving this recording to the police, he successfully directed the officer's suspicions.
"This person really isn't simple," Xiao Fang belatedly realized.
Old Chen nodded: "Have you noticed that the police investigation process is all within his control? Even when the police thought the homeroom teacher's identity didn't need to be questioned, he still guided the investigation in this way?"
"But why is he doing all this? Simply for revenge on behalf of his friend? It doesn't seem like it..."
Old Chen was momentarily at a loss: "I haven't read the script either... we'll find out as we keep watching."
Thus, in the film, the police investigation delved deeper, revealing more about the conflicts between the deceased and others. But he still couldn't find the crucial evidence.
He returned to the classroom, hoping to find new clues and reconsider how the deceased had fallen.
At this point, he unexpectedly discovered a bottle of medication in the classroom—dropped under Yuan You's desk.
"Quetiapine?" Xiao Fang squinted to read the small text on the bottle. "What medication is this?"
"I think it's effective for treating depression, has a calming effect, helps you fall asleep faster," Old Chen pondered. "But it's also used for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia."
Xiao Fang shrank her shoulders: "So this Yuan You has depression?"
Old Chen didn't answer, instead focusing on the unfolding plot that had captured his attention. Xiao Fang also looked at the screen and saw the police officer staring intently at his phone, which displayed the results of his previous investigation being leaked!
This exposé had already gained significant traction on the platform, with the comment section in uproar. Angry netizens were already stating that "even if these people didn't ultimately act themselves, they are essentially the murderers who killed Bai Ye." Furthermore, others in the comments were revealing additional problems at this prestigious middle school, saying that despite its seemingly excellent academic performance, bullying was rampant, and many students had suffered severe psychological trauma during their time there...
"Is this Yuan You's purpose?" Xiao Fang was stunned by this unexpected development. "He guided the police investigation just to expose all this?"
Old Chen frowned: "I'm now wondering, where is Yuan You at this moment?"
This question was soon answered.
Halfway through reading, the police officer suddenly seemed to realize something and frantically ran outside. The sunset was as brilliant as on the first day, but his running figure shattered the light and shadows cast by the sunset, as if racing from light into darkness. He sprinted through the corridor, crossed the stairwell, and finally forcefully yanked open the door to the rooftop with a loud "bang."
In the fire-like glow of sunset, the youth stood silently.
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The film ended, but Xiao Fang and Old Chen remained immersed in the lingering emotions of the plot.
"This storyline, at first glance it's quite intense, the visuals are beautiful... but I still don't understand who actually pushed the deceased off the building," Xiao Fang said, puzzled.
"And even at the end, they never explained the relationship between the police officer and the deceased. Just that they look alike? That seems unnecessary, doesn't it?"
"I feel like this film is satisfying to watch but doesn't hold up to close scrutiny," she closed her eyes and shook her head, then opened them again to look at the stage. "Considering the actors, on a scale of five, I'd reluctantly give it a three."
Old Chen had a different perspective: "I think what matters is that the film conveyed its message and atmosphere. Even if the plot has some flaws, I don't think it detracts significantly."
"Just because you didn't understand it doesn't mean no one does," he stroked his double chin. "I think these questions might not be without answers. And having this enigmatic quality gives it more of a detective film feeling."
"But from your reaction, I've confirmed one thing," Old Chen said. "I think this film's reception will be polarized—plenty of people will think it's good, but many who don't understand it will consider it garbage."
"As for how it will ultimately be evaluated, I think that depends on people like us," Old Chen said halfway, then shifted direction. "Normally, this film might just be an ordinary flop; but if someone can straighten out the plot, find reasonable explanations, and market it well, the film's reputation might not only recover but even be praised as a masterpiece!"
"Looking at the film's current promotion, tsk tsk tsk, achieving the latter seems difficult," Old Chen said regretfully. "But since this film helped us pass the time tonight, if someone could actually achieve that, I wouldn't mind riding the wave and helping promote it."
"Let's see if the film itself can rise to the challenge!"
With this conclusion, Old Chen ended his discussion with Xiao Fang.
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Indeed, as Old Chen had predicted, after the film's release, public opinion was sharply divided.
Supporters of the film felt it had "profound themes," "tight plotting," and "thoughtful cinematography." It even spawned a group of viewers discussing the plot, with each suspect—except for the one played by Director Zhao's cameo—having supporters who believed they were the killer, including many who thought Yuan You was the culprit.
Before they could unite to promote the film externally, they were already arguing internally about who the killer was. With the already small audience divided into multiple factions, film supporters now had to contend not only with external critics but also with internal disagreements. Fans and critics alike were arguing heatedly, creating a rare spectacle.
Those opposing the film, however, were remarkably consistent in their views.
They unanimously considered the film's plot "chaotic," "lacking an ending," and "unclear about everything." They further escalated their criticism to claim the director simply lacked the ability to tell a good story, merely piecing together shots that seemed suspenseful, and that upon closer examination, the film's internal logic completely fell apart.
Among those holding this view were professional critics—after all, "The Last Wish" had indeed blocked some people's path, so bearing grudges was understandable—but there were also genuine ordinary viewers who felt this way, including true mystery enthusiasts.
In this atmosphere, regardless of which forum mentioned the film "The Web," arguments immediately erupted—fans versus critics, fans versus other fans, with onlooking bystanders fanning the flames, creating utter chaos.
Regardless of the film's critical reception, it had certainly become a traffic magnet for forums looking to complete their reply KPIs.
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No problem! Let "The Web" help you!
Just include "The Web" in your opening post, and regardless of whether you're a fan, critic, or bystander, replies will flood in like the tide!
What are you waiting for? Use the free traffic magnet "The Web" now to add vitality and energy to your forum this summer!
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Cat Mint looked at the chaotic mess in the film forums with genuine bewilderment.
Logically speaking, it had only been two months since she recommended Director Shao Yichen's previous film, and she hadn't planned to do another recommendation analyzing "The Web."
Otherwise, she might be accused of being paid to promote films or having some strange arrangement with this director, which wouldn't be good.
But the trend in evaluations of this film exceeded her expectations. She had never encountered a film where opinions were so polarized.
Moreover, just one day after the film's release, her WeChat had received numerous private messages from fans—some felt Director Shao Yichen had produced another rare gem and asked if she planned to analyze it; others thought the director had exhausted her talent and asked if she wanted to criticize it.
Just how divisive was this film's content?
After her WeChat inbox was filled with these two opposing viewpoints, Cat Mint finally couldn't resist her curiosity and booked a ticket for the film.
I need to see for myself what makes this film so suspenseful, so complex, so mind-bending!