!['Resurrection' Review: Bi Gan's Sci-Fi Epic Is A Wondrous & Expansive Dream Of Pure Cinema [Cannes]](https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22162152/KUANG-YE-SHI-DAI-BI-Gan-Resurrection.jpg "'Resurrection' Review: Bi Gan's Sci-Fi Epic Is A Wondrous & Expansive Dream Of Pure Cinema [Cannes]")
Chinese director Bi Gan emerged as a cinematic phenomenon last decade with his 2015 feature debut, “Kaili Blues,” and his 2018 follow-up, “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.” And after watching those films, it’s easy to see why. The filmmaker’s dreamy and languorous aesthetic, replete with long takes and poetic visual motifs, satisfied a cinephile’s craving for a viewing experience that’s deeply, well, cinematic.
Bi Gan’s latest, “Resurrection,” is no different. However, this film, fresh off its world premiere at Cannes, intensifies the director’s dreamy cinematic logic with a story that congeals disparate genre styles and references into one ultra-ambitious mash-up. The new trailer for the film, in theaters next month, hints at just how visually arresting —or overwhelming—”Resurrection” will be for its audience. If full-tilt Bi Gan doesn’t sound like a fun time, then this film may not be for you.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Resurrection,” courtesy of Janus Films:
In a world where humanity has lost the ability to dream, one creature remains entranced by the fading illusions of the dreamworld. This monster, adrift in reverie, clings to visions 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 uncover the truth that lies hidden within.
“Resurrection” stars Jackson Yee, Shu Qi, Mark Chao, Li Gengxi, Huan Jue, and Chen Yongzhong.
Bi Gan writes and directs “Resurrection,” and also produces the pic with Wan Juan. Other producers on the film include Shan Zuolong, Yang Lele, and Charles Gillibert.
“Resurrection” had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it divided critics. But The Playlist’s review for the film is a rave, awarding it an “A-” grade (read it here).
Bi Gan’s latest hits theaters on December 12. Watch the new trailer for the film below.
