The 2025 Cannes Film Festival welcomed what appears to be a gem. Among a vast selection, this science fiction work has won hearts. Having received the Special Jury Prize, this film is already shaping up to be one of the major cinematic events of the year.
A futuristic fable set against a backdrop of ruins
Thus, world cinema welcomes a work that promises to make an impression: Resurrection. This is a new film by Chinese director Bi Gan. This post-apocalyptic tale stands out for its visual boldness, poetic approach and narrative depth. At the crossroads of science fiction, dream worlds, and collective memory.
According to the official synopsis shared by the Cannes Film Festival, the story plunges us into "a world where humanity has lost the ability to dream" and follows "a creature who remains fascinated by the evanescent illusions of the dream world. This monster, lost in his reveries, clings to visions that no one else can see—until a woman appears. Gifted with the rare power to perceive these illusions for what they truly are, she chooses to enter the monster's dreams, determined to discover the truth hidden within."
Bi Gan is not at his first big break
As a reminder, Bi Gan had his breakthrough in 2015 with Kaili Blues, where he had already won over critics with his hypnotic style. In 2018, he followed up with Long Day’s Journey Into Night, a film praised for its one-hour 3D sequence shot.
Self-taught, the filmmaker trained through experimental short films, addressing recurring themes such as time, memory, and especially dreams. Moreover, in his works, the camera floats, the light flickers, and the shots stretch out.
With Resurrection, he maintains this identity, but takes a new step. He introduces more visual effects and makes his story more accessible. He democratizes his narration without losing any of its poetry. This shift could well broaden its audience while attracting loyal fans.
A promising cast and soundtrack
In addition, in the cast of Resurrection, there is Shu Qi, an iconic actress of Asian cinema, who plays the woman at the heart of the story. Alongside her, there are two key figures, including Jackson Yee, a rising star of Chinese cinema, and Mark Chao, a Canadian-Taiwanese actor known for his charisma.
For this film, Bi Gan collaborates with the French group M83. Their dreamy, melancholic electronic style perfectly matches the film's atmosphere.
Resurrection leads the viewer to reflect on existential questions. What remains of humanity when everything collapses? Can memory survive the machine? Is it still possible to love in a world devoid of meaning? Bi Gan seems to have the talent to leave room for emotion, contemplation, and doubt.
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