Whisperings of the Moon (2025)

-Written by John Cajio.

2026 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW! 

Whisperings of the Moon is an interesting exploration of how relationships evolve over time, and how unexpected events bring people back together. In her directorial debut, Lai Yuqing largely succeeds at highlighting the joys and successes, as well as the travails and perils of two women exploring themselves, their sexuality, and their relationship over a period of years. What might be a turnoff for viewers is that Yuqing utilizes mixed time frames and some experimental (and perhaps experiential) camera techniques in crafting this film.

When Nisay (Sopheanith Thong) and Thida (Deka Nine) meet each other as actors on the set of a play in Phnom Penh, sparks fly between them. They separate when Nisay is offered an opportunity in New York. The death of Nisay’s father brings her back to Cambodia and she reconnects with family and friends, including Thida. 

Two time frames are at play in Whisperings of the Moon, with Nisay’s time in New York serving as a divider between the two. The way that Yuqing almost freely mixes the two time frames serves to remind us that even as time passes certain types of events recur repeatedly. The technique can lead to confusion—particularly for those that spend their viewing times on their phones or nodding off. I would suggest that this film is not for those types of folks. This is a film that requires focus and attention.

Yuqing also uses a lot of nontraditional camera techniques. In addition to directorial duties, she serves as the principal cinematographer on the film. Shaky camera syndrome is truly omnipresent in Whisperings of the Moon. There’s also a lot of close-up shots, and shots that are deliberately fuzzy and unfocused. The intent, I think, is to insert the viewer into the scene, as if we are in the room with the characters as they talk and argue and love. It’s almost like a found footage film, and the viewer is the silent camera operator. While I think it’s generally successful, I think certain scenes might have benefited from a more traditional filming style. 

Nisay’s and Thida’s lives are put under a lot of scrutiny in the film. Nisay’s new dynamic with her mother and brother are explored, highlighting the perils of making choices that are contrary to the desires of the family. Thida’s marriage had been weakening for a while by the time Nisay comes home, and Nisay’s presence seems to accelerate things. Farewells are bittersweet and occasionally brutal. 

In a brief eighty-seven minutes, director Yuqing manages to cram a lot of material. Mixed timeframes, LGBT themes, family dynamics, and more are explored in some detail in Whisperings of the Moon. Unusual camera techniques keep you on your toes. By and largely, I think Whisperings of the Moon succeeds at what it is trying to accomplish. It might not be for everyone, though. And that’s okay. Whisperings of the Moon does not suck.

Directed by Lai Yuqing.

Written by: Xinyi Cao, Lai Yuqing, and Jatla Siddhartha. 

Starring: Sophianith Thong, Deka Nine, etc.

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING (IT DOES NOT SUCK)