Is The Empty Nest Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama, Documentary cinema, the 2020 release of The Empty Nest stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Zhao Yimei was an "Empty Nest" old woman. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Documentary 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: "Zhao Yimei was an "Empty Nest" old woman. Her husband betrayed her when she was young, and she drove her husband and son out of the house. Today, she has a poor relationship with her son who lives far away and suffers from urinary incontinence. She lost faith in life and intends to end her life. Lei Xiaoding, a health care product salesman who broke into her life "accidentally". His humorous, diligent, and caring brought long-lost love and warmth to Zhao Yimei. The two became increasingly harmonious and created many warm and happy memories. In return, Zhao Yimei bought many health products from Lei Xiaoding. Lei Xiaoding wanted to achieve something in big cities, but was frustrated everywhere. One day, he defrauded all of Zhao Yimei's savings together with others. Facing such a betrayal, Zhao Yimei fell into despair again."

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 Zhu Xijuan 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 Zhang Wei 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 84 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 Empty Nest 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 Drama, Documentary, 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 0/10 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 Empty Nest explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Zhang Wei 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 Empty Nest 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 Zhu Xijuan or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Empty Nest is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.