Name: The Abandoned
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2023-09-08T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Janine Chang Chun-Ning, Ethan Juan, Yu An-shun, Sajee Apiwong, Chloe Xiang

The opening shot of The Abandoned lingers on a river’s murky surface, where a corpse floats like an ominous ripple in the water. This is Tseng Ying-ting’s crime thriller, a film that drowns its procedural plot in the trauma of its protagonist, police officer Wu Jie (Ning Chang). The 2023 release weaves a mystery around exploitative labor practices in Taiwan, but it stumbles when it tries to balance social commentary with a murder investigation.

The film’s strength lies in its atmospheric tension and Ning Chang’s raw performance. As Wu Jie, Chang delivers a distressed, haunted presence that anchors the movie. The director’s use of shadowy lighting and tight close-ups amplifies the unease, making every glance from Yu An-shun as Fan Chang-fu feel loaded with menace.

Yet The Abandoned falters when it tries to juggle its dual narratives—murder mystery and social critique. The film’s pacing stutters, alternating between methodical police work and flashbacks that blur the line between Wu Jie’s past and present. Ethan Juan as Lin You-sheng provides steady support, but his character feels underdeveloped, reduced to a plot device rather than a fully realized ally. The social commentary on Taiwan’s labor practices is bold, but it often overshadows the mystery, leaving the resolution feeling rushed.

Tseng Ying-ting’s direction is assured in moments of suspense, but the film’s structure suffers from a lack of cohesion. The shift between genres—drama, mystery, crime, and thriller—creates tonal whiplash. A standout scene where Wu Jie confronts a suspect in a dimly lit alleyway crackles with tension, but such moments are too few and far between.

The Abandoned is a film of intriguing parts that don’t quite add up to a satisfying whole. The performances, particularly Ning Chang’s, are compelling enough to hold attention, but the narrative’s disjointed structure and uneven pacing undermine its potential. Tseng Ying-ting’s ability to craft tense, atmospheric moments is evident, but the film ultimately feels like two stories struggling to coexist.

For fans of psychological crime dramas with a focus on character trauma, The Abandoned offers some rewarding moments. However, those seeking a tightly plotted mystery or a seamless blend of social commentary and genre tropes may find it disappointing. The film’s exploration of Taiwan’s labor practices is timely and relevant, but its execution lacks the nuance needed to fully integrate this theme with the central murder mystery.

In comparison to other recent crime thrillers, The Abandoned falls short of the cohesion seen in films like Past Lives, which successfully balances personal drama with broader societal themes. The Killer (Fincher), for instance, maintains a laser focus on its protagonist’s journey, avoiding the tonal shifts that plague The Abandoned. That said, Tseng Ying-ting’s film has moments of genuine brilliance, particularly in its use of lighting and sound to create an oppressive atmosphere.

Ning Chang’s performance is the film’s standout element. Her portrayal of Wu Jie’s inner turmoil is nuanced and compelling, making her one of the most memorable aspects of The Abandoned. The supporting cast, while not as impactful, contributes to the film’s overall tension. Ethan Juan’s Lin You-sheng provides a steady presence, and Yu An-shun’s Fan Chang-fu exudes an undercurrent of danger that keeps viewers on edge.

The film’s cinematography deserves mention for its ability to convey mood and atmosphere. The use of shadows and tight framing creates a sense of claustrophobia, enhancing the film’s suspenseful moments. However, the editing could have benefited from a more cohesive structure, as the frequent shifts between past and present sometimes disrupt the narrative flow.

The Abandoned is not without its flaws, but it offers enough compelling elements to warrant attention. The performances, particularly Ning Chang’s, are strong, and Tseng Ying-ting’s direction showcases a talent for creating tense, atmospheric scenes. While the film struggles to balance its dual narratives effectively, it still provides a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its themes and characters.

For viewers drawn to crime dramas with a focus on psychological depth and social commentary, The Abandoned is worth a watch. However, those seeking a tightly plotted mystery or a seamless blend of genres may find it lacking. The film’s exploration of Taiwan’s labor practices adds a layer of relevance that sets it apart from more conventional crime thrillers.

In the end, The Abandoned is a film of intriguing parts that don’t quite coalesce into a satisfying whole. Its strengths lie in its performances and atmospheric direction, but its narrative structure and pacing ultimately hold it back.