Chen Sicheng explores online turmoil, moral gray zones in 'Malice'

Chinese filmmaker Chen Sicheng has produced and written a new film, "Malice," which explores how manipulation works in the court of public opinion and examines the gray areas of human nature through a suspenseful criminal case.

The cast and crew of "Malice" pose for a photo at the film's premiere in Beijing, June 30, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Table Film]

"How to film isn't what matters most now — it's what to film," Chen said at the film's premiere in Beijing on June 30. "Cinema has been around for more than 100 years, so there is little room left for technical breakthroughs. What matters is what we choose to film, how creators engage with our times and express their viewpoints. I believe it's crucial to speak from the heart."

"I've faced constant misunderstandings and labels since my early acting years," said Chen, the filmmaker behind blockbusters such as the "Detective Chinatown" series.

"The world is changing too fast, and we have to keep innovating," he said. "In today's mobile internet era, everyone wields a sword in the court of public opinion."

Chen said there are no clear villains in the film — or rather, everyone becomes a villain if they've ever had malicious thoughts about others. "That's why I see this more as a social experiment than a traditional film," he said. "It looks at the moral grayness of human nature."

"Malice" is directed by Lai Mukuan and Yao Wenyi, and stars Zhang Xiaofei, Mei Ting, Chen Yusi and child actor Yang Enyou. The story centers on mysterious deaths at a hospital after a young internet celebrity battling cancer and a nurse fall from the building. The influencer's mother, who accuses the nurse, is later revealed to be hiding secrets.

Zhang plays a journalist searching for the truth while grappling with her own controversial reporting history, as her editors push for clicks over facts. The case leaves all the characters scarred by malice, urging viewers to uncover what really happened.

Discussing his collaboration with Zhang, Chen said: "Zhang Xiaofei is an actor full of ambiguity and unpredictability. While audiences first knew her from comedies, she has remarkable versatility. Her mix of feminine intellect and strength matches the journalist's character, and she brings out the complexity needed to show the layered truths of human nature."

Chen praised each actor's performance, noting how their vivid ensemble work brought realism to the film.

Zhang said she hopes "Malice" will prompt audiences, herself included, to pause before reacting online. "Don't rush to spread emotions or pass judgment in cyberspace. 'Malice' aims to inspire viewers to share more goodwill online — that kindness may be what dissolves malice," she said.

A poster for "Malice." [Image courtesy of As One Production]

"Malice," expected to strongly resonate with internet users, will open in theaters across China on July 5 as one of the summer's most anticipated releases. The film will also debut in the United States on the same day.

"While the film presents a world filled with malice, it ultimately offers kindness and deep understanding to every character," said Wang Hongwei, producer, script consultant and professor at Beijing Film Academy. "This is Chen Sicheng's most serious work to date as both director and producer — not just serious, but courageous. He dares to expose the pain points of our current media environment and boldly confronts creative taboos through each character's portrayal."