Hong Kong director Scud's latest film, Who's Watching Us, premiered in Taiwan on May 9, 2025, to a limited audience. The film showcases a bold narrative featuring 27 actors in nude scenes, exploring profound themes of family and freedom through the lens of life and death.
Scud, along with lead actors Liu Yihao and Simon, attended a media event to promote the film. Liu Yihao takes on the role of the male lead, while Simon, a Hong Kong actor, is notable for being the only actor to have appeared in all of Scud's films. Last year, at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, Simon was recognized as one of "Scud's Five Great Actors."
Originally, Who's Watching Us was slated to be shown in over 45 theaters across Taiwan. However, due to the overwhelming presence of Hollywood blockbusters, the film was ultimately screened in only 22 theaters. Scud expressed his disappointment at this limitation, lamenting, "The theaters that only show Hollywood films will eat their own bitter fruit!" He emphasized the importance of the cinematic experience, noting that many viewers prefer to watch his films online rather than in theaters. "If they are watching on their phones, we wouldn’t need to work so hard. Movies should be seen on the big screen," he stated.
Scud's 88-year-old mother made a special trip from England to attend the premiere, accompanied by his younger brother and niece. He reflected on the past, recalling how his aunt once brought dozens of women to the set of his first film, City Without Baseball. He humorously noted that he had expected the film's explicit content to shock them, but they simply laughed and remarked that they had seen much worse.
After seven years of development, Who's Watching Us is finally ready for audiences. The film follows Liu Yihao's character, a soldier who suffers sexual assault at the hands of a superior officer, leading him to despair and ultimately, suicide. However, in a twist of fate, he gains the ability to possess others and travel the world after his death. Tsai Shuya plays his sister, adding depth to the narrative.
In addition to its Taiwanese setting, the film has scenes shot in Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, and Spain, expanding its narrative scope. The cast also includes talents like Tsang Hiu-wing, Leung Cho-ki, Daniel Benjamin, Eriks Nguyen, and Nicky Bunyarit, contributing to Liu Yihao's character's fantastical journey.
Scud reflected on the emotional weight of the film, which not only addresses the trauma of the protagonist but also serves as a tribute to family ties. He recalled the faces of family members who have passed away, expressing how their memories influenced the film's creation. "I remember my aunt who came to my film premiere in a wheelchair, and I think of my grandmother in Hong Kong and her children when I was young in Guangzhou. Sadly, only my 80-year-old father and my mother are still alive now," he shared.
As the film premiered, Scud hoped that despite the limited screenings, audiences would appreciate the film's artistic value and the hard work that went into its production. He has always been passionate about storytelling through cinema, and Who's Watching Us is no exception, promising to engage viewers with its raw and authentic portrayal of human experience.
In a world where films often compete for attention, Scud's dedication to his craft shines through. He hopes that even with the challenges faced in distribution, the film will find its audience and resonate with those who seek meaningful cinema.
With its exploration of heavy themes wrapped in a fantastical narrative, Who's Watching Us stands as a testament to Scud's artistic vision and commitment to storytelling.
