Exploring the Intrigue of 'Only the River Flows': A Deep Dive into a Chinese Murder Mystery

A Captivating Murder Mystery

Some murder mysteries lose their charm once the identity of the killer is unveiled. However, Only the River Flows defies this trend.

Directed by Wei Shujun, this film encapsulates the atmospheric tension, ambiguity, and intrigue often absent in typical crime dramas. Based on the novel Mistakes by the River by renowned Chinese author Yun Hua, Only the River Flows (2023) serves as a thought-provoking crime narrative that reflects the transformations occurring in rural China during the 1990s.

Set in a village in 1995, the film introduces a river that remains the only constant amidst chaos. The story begins with the brutal murder of an elderly woman by the riverside, prompting the police chief to assign detective Ma Zhe (played by Zhu Yilong) to resolve the case swiftly.

The investigation unit is established in a deserted cinema hall. Ma Zhe, characterized by his strict demeanor and chain-smoking habit, quickly identifies a pattern but becomes perplexed as more murders occur. Is there a serial killer on the loose?

Despite officially closing the case, Ma Zhe continues his investigation, driven by doubts about the accused, all while managing personal challenges, including his wife's complicated pregnancy and pressure from his superiors.

This Mandarin-language film is currently streaming on Prime Video. The murder investigation in Only the River Flows evolves into a nuanced allegory of a rapidly changing yet timeless China.

Throughout Ma Zhe's investigation, themes of hierarchy, conformity, and individualism emerge. Clues such as an audio tape used by lovers, sightings of a mysterious woman, and the elderly victim's connection to a mentally challenged man provide insights not only into the murders but also into the prevailing societal values in an authoritarian regime.

Cinematographer Zhiyuan Chengma skillfully captures the essence of the era, employing 16mm film stock to enrich the narrative's texture. His work enhances both the film's noir elements and the intimate moments shared between Ma Zhe and his wife.

Zhu Yilong delivers a compelling performance as the enigmatic detective. The film's conclusion provokes thought rather than offering straightforward resolutions, embodying its intriguing nature.