Renee Zhan is a Chinese-American director and animator from Houston, Texas. She has directed several short films, including Pidge (2014), Hold Me (Ca Caw Ca Caw) (2016), Reneepoptosis (2018), O Black Hole! (2020), Soft Animals (2021), and Shé (2023).

She is an alumnus of the Sarabande Foundation, BAFTA Crew x BFI Network, and Berlinale Talents, and her short films have been screened and awarded at international festivals, including Annecy, Locarno, TIFF, SXSW, as well as receiving an Annie Award nomination, a BAFTA LA shortlist selection, and the Jury Prize for Animated Short at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

Although she previously used dark perspectives in films like Hold Me and Reneepoptosis, Shé marks her first venture into the horror genre, as well as her first use of action and stop-motion animation techniques.

Synopsis

Fei Li is the top violinist in her elite youth orchestra. When another Chinese violinist arrives to challenge her place, Fei’s internalized racism and anxieties grow to take monstrous physical form. They whisper to her, urging her to be the best—no matter the cost.

Rather than simply presenting a single, straightforward idea, the film intricately explores a variety of emotions, internal conflicts, and comedic nuances within supporting characters. As a result, Shé leans more towards being a psychological thriller rather than a traditional horror film.

At first glance, the main theme appears to be anxiety, but on a deeper level, it reflects the pressure experienced by immigrants or people living in foreign countries—the need to be better than the locals just to be considered equal. This pressure, often joked about by Asian stand-up comedians, is masterfully conveyed through baroque-era Vivaldi music, the foundation of classical Western art.

Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi, who is based in Australia, once said in a stand-up routine:

“English is so hard. For example, ‘YOLO’—You Only Live Once. Many Aussies say that and do something crazy. I can’t do that. I can’t do that because I’m a Buddhist. I believe in reincarnation, so my life is not once, but again and again. I have to say ‘YALA’ instead—You Always Live Again.”

Similarly, Shé explores the cyclical burden of always trying to be the best, of being a “good girl”, of being the top in everything, and how these pressures manifest in fear and self-destruction. The mocking laughter of Fei’s classmates, the exaggerated facial expressions of a boy pulling at the corners of his eyes to mimic her features—these moments might all be products of her own anxieties, manifestations of her deeply ingrained fears rather than actual external discrimination.

Regardless of how these moments are interpreted, the film does not simply aim to frighten its audience; instead, it lingers in the mind, unsettling and haunting long after the credits roll.

The Significance of the Title: Shé (Snake)

The choice of the title is no coincidence.

In Western culture, snakes are often associated with danger and deceit, but in Chinese culture, they symbolize wisdom, mystery, and transformation.

Fei’s journey could represent a transformation—a shedding of her old self, much like a snake discarding its skin, as she moves towards self-acceptance and confidence.

Technical Excellence

The film’s cinematography was led by Adam Singodia, whose expertise in visual storytelling played a crucial role in shaping the film’s aesthetic.

The editing was handled by Armiliah Aripin, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative flow.

The musical score, composed by Harry Brokensha, added depth to the film’s emotional landscape.

Additionally, the sound design by Ed Rousseau contributed significantly to the film’s atmosphere and tension.

These elements combined to create a truly unique and chilling cinematic experience.

However, the most outstanding aspect of the film was the lead actress’s performance. Her exceptional acting fully immersed the audience, keeping them engaged and preventing any distractions from breaking the film’s tension.

In 2025, according to the Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year and the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Year of the Snake is approaching in Asian countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year. I was also born in the Year of the Snake, so I wish everyone reading this review all the best.

Final Rating: 9/10

Not only was the technical execution of Shé undeniably strong, but its story also resonated deeply.

As an Asian woman living in Europe, I found the emotions expressed in this film profoundly relatable, which likely contributed to its lasting impact on me.