Year-ender: 2024 Captivating Chinese screens

Successor

Douban Rating: 7.1

Box Office: 3.33 billion yuan ($521 million)

Successor explores the darker aspects of humor, delving into the intricate connections between family dynamics, education, and personal development. The film revolves around Ma Chenggang, who adopts an extreme "poverty training" approach to prepare his son, Ma Jiye, for inheriting the family business. Termed an "educational horror film", it provokes contemplation on educational methodologies and their profound impact on children. The film's thematic depth has elevated it to a focal point of discussions amongst audiences.