While its twist is certainly unexpected and enjoyable, the broader plot and the mystery surrounding the film are muddled and unengaging, which forces the reveal to be delivered in a rushed and rather ridiculous way.

Full disclosure: I went into this film knowing nothing about the cult Hong Kong TV show that serves as a prequel to this sci‑fi action movie. Because of that, it would be unfair to judge certain narrative elements that are clearly meant for viewers already familiar with the source material and its lore.

While it moves from a really strong start to weaker material across its clearly defined three acts (a largely action‑driven first, a rom‑com‑coded second, and a final act mixing melodrama and action), this is still a very funny film with brutally gripping violence and great chemistry between the two leads, despite the extremely sugary romance.

The injection of clearly anachronistic elements, such as the style of dress, the house, the car, and the school, creates a very striking atmosphere, as if we were watching a late‑50s or early‑60s horror film, both tonally and visually, but set in the present day.

While it is true that the film does not gain much momentum until its second half, when we finally learn about the danger and origin behind the “being”, once it gets there, the action becomes quite gripping and exciting.