The Sadness (2021)
A relentless Taiwanese horror film in which a pandemic transforms the infected into instruments of savage, unrestrained depravity.
The Sadness - Movie Information
- Original Title: 哭悲
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Rob Jabbaz
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 22, 2021 (Taiwan), February 3, 2022 (Germany - 18), July 6, 2022 (France - 16)
- Alternative Titles: La Tristeza (MX), غم و اندوه (IR), Горечь (RU), The Sadness (US), The Sadness [2021] (BR), Đại Dịch Thần Chết (VN)
- Production Companies: Machi Xcelsior Studios
- Production Countries: Taiwan
The Sadness - Plot
A young couple is pushed to the limits of sanity as they attempt to be reunited amid the chaos of a pandemic outbreak. The streets erupt into violence and depravity, as those infected are driven to enact the most cruel and ghastly things imaginable.
The Sadness - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold:
It feels...wonderful...
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The Sadness - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Rob Jabbaz
Main Cast
- Berant Zhu
- Regina Lei
- Tzu-Chiang Wang
- Apple Chen
- Lan Wei-Hua
- Ralf Chiu
- Lueh-Geng Huang
- Emerson Tsai
- Chih-Min Chou
- An-Long Cai
Writers
- Rob Jabbaz
Producers
- Wei-Chun Lu
- David Barker
The Sadness - FAQs
Is The Sadness based on a real virus or true story?
The Sadness is not based on a true story. Director Rob Jabbaz drew inspiration from real-world pandemic anxieties, particularly Taiwan's COVID-19 experience, but the Alvin virus and its gruesome effects are entirely fictional, designed to serve as an extreme allegorical commentary on societal breakdown.
What is the ending of The Sadness explained?
In the film's devastating finale, Kat and Jim are briefly reunited, but Jim has been infected. Now consumed by the virus, he kills Kat rather than saving her. The ending subverts the survival-romance arc entirely, suggesting that the pandemic destroys not just bodies but the very bonds that make survival worth fighting for.
Where can you stream or watch The Sadness?
The Sadness is available to stream on Shudder, AMC+, and Philo. It can also be streamed via the Shudder Amazon Channel and Shudder Apple TV Channel. For those who prefer to own or rent, it is available on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. Hoopla offers it for free.
How extreme and gory is The Sadness?
The Sadness is widely regarded as one of the most graphically violent horror films in recent memory. It features relentless, unflinching depictions of gore, sexual violence, and cruelty. Critics and genre fans frequently cite it as genuinely difficult to watch, earning comparisons to extreme horror classics for its uncompromising brutality.
Who are the main actors in The Sadness?
The Sadness stars Berant Zhu as Jim and Regina Lei as Kat, the young couple at the center of the story. Supporting cast includes Tzu-Chiang Wang as the menacing Business Man, Apple Chen as Molly, and Lan Wei-Hua as Dr. Alan Wong, among others.
What is The Sadness about?
The Sadness follows a young Taiwanese couple desperately trying to reunite as a pandemic mutates into something far worse than illness. The infected lose all inhibition and are compelled to commit acts of savage violence and depravity. Critics describe it as a visceral, nihilistic horror film that uses extreme gore to explore pandemic-era dread.
What is the age rating for The Sadness?
The Sadness is rated R in the United States. The film carries an 18 certificate in Germany and a 16 rating in France. Due to its extremely graphic violence, sexual content, and disturbing imagery, it is strictly intended for adult audiences and is not suitable for younger viewers.
Who directed The Sadness and where was it made?
The Sadness was written and directed by Rob Jabbaz, a Canadian filmmaker based in Taiwan, marking his feature directorial debut. The film was produced in Taiwan by Machi Xcelsior Studios and shot by cinematographer Jie-Li Bai, with Jabbaz also serving as editor.
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