Only the Shadows Move (2023): cast, story & where to watch
2023 · Film · ★ 7

Released in 2023, Only the Shadows Move is a drama film directed by Terence Li, running about 25 minutes.
What it’s about. Kevin, a young theatre director from Hong Kong, is searching for ideas for his next play with his team, hoping to get funding for an overseas production. Frank, a middle-aged hairdresser in Berlin, is performing his daily routine. Coincidences bring them together, though their friendship is dictated by the parameters of the smartphone. Kevin decides to adapt the stories of the Berlin Wall to the stage, as old memories of living in East Berlin come flooding back to Frank. Shadows, in their literal and metaphorical sense, become the third wheel which silently alters their lives and turns into a story that transcends the boundaries of reason. Through this experimental work, director Terence LI sheds light on the inner space-time of the queer and the displaced.
Who’s in it. Only the Shadows Move stars Anderson Tsang Man-kin as Kevin, Marcus Meyer as Frank Schaefer, Ben Rademacher as Spy and Ashley Leung Hei Yiu as Jackie, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Only the Shadows Move has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Only the Shadows Move page.
If you liked it. Fans of Only the Shadows Move tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Only the Shadows Move (2023)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Only the Shadows Move change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Only the Shadows Move worth watching?
- Only the Shadows Move holds an audience score of 7.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Only the Shadows Move?
- Only the Shadows Move stars Anderson Tsang Man-kin, Marcus Meyer, Ben Rademacher, Ashley Leung Hei Yiu and Edwin Chuk Yin Man.
- When was Only the Shadows Move released?
- Only the Shadows Move was released in 2023, with a runtime of about 25 minutes.
