Is The Cat in the Closet Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 2017 release of The Cat in the Closet stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The Fan family was already not very good at expressing love. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema 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: "The Fan family was already not very good at expressing love. After the loss of their son Wei, they became more emotionally trapped. Then, Lei-Ya, the mother, started to lavishly devote her time on feeding street cats. Qing, the daughter, moved out and rarely came home anymore. Yan-Ming, the father, tried to pretend that nothing happened, and treated everyone around him nicely. Eight years on, the three members of this family, each bearing disappointment and anxiety, gathered up in their old home. The otherwise happy reunion escalated, and they must finally face the old sorrow and pain."

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. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Eleven Yao ensure that the emotional beats of The Cat in the Closet always land with sufficient weight. Eleven Yao provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Ying-Ting Tseng 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 81 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 The Cat in the Closet 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 Modern Cinema, 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 5/10 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, The Cat in the Closet explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ying-Ting Tseng 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, The Cat in the Closet 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 Eleven Yao or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Cat in the Closet is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.