She Fell to Earth

Rocks are people too. At least, that’s the basis of Susie Au’s deliciously offbeat sophomore feature, whose rainbow palette is one of the film’s many treats. A celestial body makes its way through the Earth’s atmosphere, transforming into a young woman on impact. But with that change goes all memory of what she was before, leaving her in a strange present, with an uncertain future. She keenly observes human lives, gaining insights into beings like herself, which includes Zheng Zhe, who believes that every object has a unique sound. If that’s true, what sound does she project into the universe?

Directed by Susie Au, She Fell to Earth leans on a strong ensemble — Alve Fu, Cui Zheng, Ray Fung — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2024.