Is Lapse Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2020, Lapse represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Chengming, a university student who accidentally gains supernatural powers, finds out that he loses his memory every time he uses them and starts recording his daily life using his phone. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Chengming, a university student who accidentally gains supernatural powers, finds out that he loses his memory every time he uses them and starts recording his daily life using his phone. Chengming and the witnesses of his accident, Lin and Hwei, grow closer together as they experiment with Chengming's supernatural powers. Chengming starts falling in love with Lin but gets anxious when he finds out that she is from a wealthy family, unlike his own background. Chengming realizes that his superpowers are not adding any value to his life when he is persuaded by Hwei to invade the factory owner that hurt his mother. He heads over to the factory solely relying on Hwei's camera."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Dong Chengming provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Chuck Chae is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 82 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Lapse truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Lapse explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Chuck Chae respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Lapse is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dong Chengming or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lapse is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.