In an industrial town in the chilly northeastern climes of China, a group of people try to cope with being lonely and explore their individuality through sexuality.

It begins with a baker named Gang, who drifts through life miserably after he is dumped by his younger barber boyfriend Quan, who is himself subject to the pestering of Liu Ying and her bossy lesbian partner who need him as a sperm donor. Then there is a middle-aged shopkeeper, Zhang Zhiyong, who is beginning to cruise toilets and clubs while craftily preparing his wife for his coming out of the closet.

As these people drift in and out of each other’s orbits, we see the bounds of intimacy and trust are tested in various ways that allude to the political but the tone is dry comedy thanks to absurd couplings, deadpan reactions, and a French musical score. A quietly comic mix, GENG Jun’s work took Best Leading Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and the Audience Choice Award at the Golden Horse Awards 2024.