Justin Chi’s debut ‘‘A Night in Bridge’’ review

Justin Chi’s debut film A Night in Bridge immerses viewers into a world of opulence and deception, with a plot as sleek and sharp as its visuals. The film follows a young man’s intoxicating yet perilous journey through the high life of the Hamptons, where an innocent invitation morphs into a dangerous descent into the elite's dark underbelly. Chi, with a background as a Columbia MFA student, brings his own unique narrative style, honed from his rich New York City upbringing as the son of Chinese immigrants. His transition from finance to film is reflected in his ability to balance risky storytelling with technical conservatism.

Visually, A Night in Bridge excels, thanks to masterful cinematography and well-crafted production design. The use of bokeh and vibrant color correction enhances the allure and tension of the evening, while deliberate camera movements and framing ensure that every shot adds depth. Chi's use of atmosphere, makeup effects, and sound design to craft the film’s escalating tension is particularly impressive. The casting is also spot-on, with actors delivering nuanced performances that keep the audience engaged even as the narrative shifts.

Though occasionally hampered by pacing issues, some dialogues linger a touch too long, and the music during a party scene feels mismatched to its aggressive visuals, these are minor missteps in an otherwise captivating debut. The unexpected plot twist adds genuine shock value, heightening the psychological tension. While it may feel more like a jolt than a fulfilling narrative conclusion, the twist ultimately serves to underscore the film’s themes of wealth, deception, and sacrifice.

For a first-time director, A Night in Bridge is a bold and stylish venture. Justin Chi establishes himself as a filmmaker with a distinct voice and a promising future, and despite a few stumbles, this is a debut well worth watching.