The filmmaker returns from Japan to a provincial city in China, where male chauvinism remains strong, to explore the state of marriage, childbirth, and homosexuality in the country. The “chains” of convention are depicted through the use of performing art and animation in this earnest and powerful visual expression.

Scott Barnes is an alcoholic turned social worker hellbent on saving a young boy named Tommy from self-destructing when he finds out he has begun selling crack in an organization called YIP, run by Carlos.

Jennifer's search for her brother leads her to something not of this world.

When given the chance to reunite with her deceased father, college sophomore Maria joins a paranormal academic group led by Louis. However, their scientific venture unearths an ancient ritual in which the group is doomed to take part.

To the atmospheric track by Jon Hopkins, high-wire artist Bryony Louise Fowler combines strength, elegance and vulnerability in her performance on the rope, which is staged by Bruce Bullivant in hypnotic images.