Writing Great Villains: Why They Shouldn't Be Sympathetic
Writing great villains is about striking a balance between charming and evil, so we love them but also love to see them lose.
The Fire Raven (2026)
A group of powerful and corrupt individuals of varying backgrounds turn Doma City into a 'hell island', where high schooler Xiaodi is brutally raped and murdered. Fifteen years later, these manipulators meet a series of gruesome deaths. Fang Tianyang, who witnessed the murders, and police officer Fang Zhengnan delve into the investigation, only to discover that this anonymous killing is not simply revenge, but a belated indictment. A series of murders, layers of darkness—how many untold sins lie hidden behind the black web woven by power, money, and desire?
- / 5
PopScore
Representation
Pictures and Videos
Movie Information
A group of powerful and corrupt individuals of varying backgrounds turn Doma City into a 'hell island', where high schooler Xiaodi is brutally raped and murdered. Fifteen years later, these manipulators meet a series of gruesome deaths. Fang Tianyang, who witnessed the murders, and police officer Fang Zhengnan delve into the investigation, only to discover that this anonymous killing is not simply revenge, but a belated indictment. A series of murders, layers of darkness—how many untold sins lie hidden behind the black web woven by power, money, and desire?
Rating:
Genre:Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Written By:Sam Quah, Pan Yiran, 王吱吱, 王祎梦
In Theaters:1/18/2026
Box Office:$38,152,465
Runtime:116 minutes
Studio:Maoyan Entertainment, Tianjin Maoyan Media, Shanghai Haimu Film Group, Huaxia Film Distribution, 英皇（北京）影视文化传媒有限公司, Shanghai Zuizhizhengyi Film, China Film Group Corporation
Articles You May Like
Netflix’s ‘Canvas:’ A Heartfelt Narrative About Love and Loss
Canvas illustrates the story of a grandfather who, after suffering the loss of his beloved, struggles to reclaim his love for painting.
"Miss You, Love You" Explores Grief and Unlikely Connection
Miss You, Love You brings together two people who were meant to find each other at that moment in their lives.
James Cameron’s Aliens: A Classic Tale, Brimming With Female Empowerment and Social Resonance
James Cameron’s “Aliens” (1986) is a pinnacle of science fiction storytelling. Within this classic monster movie lies a powerful female character, Ellen Ripley (brilliantly portrayed by Sigourney Weaver).
Honey Don't: Sizzles, Before Fizzling
Like Fourth of July fireworks, the film Honey Don’t is colorful and fun to look at, delivering many bangs (sex and guns!) for your buck before quietly fading out.
I Felt so Disconnected from 'Last Night in Soho'
We’ve always known that Edgar Wright is a mixologist when it comes to blending sound, light, colour, and texture. This is especially true in the first act of the film. In fact, all of my positive feedback is directed exclusively at the first act of this film.