Cui, who studied directing at the University of Southern California in the United States, says suspense is one of his favorite film genres.

"We have included many hints in the movie, such as some animals typical of Southeast Asia and famous paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Each of these elements has its own metaphorical meaning, and we hope that audiences will enjoy unraveling the mysteries by watching the movie the second or even third time," Cui says.

As a fan of the famous 19th-century Dutch artist, the director says that he paid tribute to Van Gogh in several scenes throughout the movie, which is expected to remind moviegoers of some of his masterpieces, such as The Starry Night.

Comparing his movie's protagonist to the late Australian actor Heath Ledger's Joker character in The Dark Knight, Cui also reveals that the character has a complex personality, making it essential for the actor to accurately portray the darkest corners of his psyche.

"I hope that the movie conveys a positive message to the audience, empowering them to tackle life's challenges and difficulties with a positive mindset. Additionally, by setting the story in a foreign country, I wish to foster the development of local suspense films and attract a wider international audience," Cui says.

The movie has been scheduled to be released in several overseas markets, including Australia on July 6, North America on July 7 and New Zealand on July 13, according to the Beijing-based newspaper China Film News.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn