Tong Binyu Films Supernatural Suspense Movie, Challenges Herself to Catch Bugs and Kill Rats Barehanded

Tong Binyu once again takes on the role of producer while also starring in the supernatural suspense romance film “降” (“The Spell”). She laughingly said that the film’s “horror level” is extremely high, and even revealed that she experienced the most terrifying challenge of her life in the film—catching bugs and killing rats barehanded! “The director really pushed me to the limit. Besides having me catch bugs and kill rats with my own hands, he even wanted me to stir them into a ‘high-protein drink.’ Luckily, he just stopped short of making me drink it!”

The film is directed and written by Xu Ziyao, the eldest son of the late veteran Hong Kong actor Xu Shaoqiang, and features a cast from Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The main cast includes “Taiwan’s sweetest ghost queen” Lei Jia-Rui, as well as Lin Li-Yang, Huang Jie-Qi, Wu Jia-Xi, Liao Yi-Xuan, and Zhao Qian. After the opening worship ceremony, the main crew was interviewed by media, where they shared insights and stories about their roles and filming experience.

“The Spell” draws inspiration from the Southeast Asian folklore of “Nasi Kangkang”, and revolves around themes of “love and obsession,” blending elements of the supernatural and romance. Lei Jia-Rui, who was nominated for Best Actress in a Mini-Series at the 59th Golden Bell Awards for her role as Indonesian caregiver “Lina” in “Wave Makers”, plays Luo Xin, a woman plagued by strange nightmares who becomes obsessed with her relationship. In an attempt to win her boyfriend back, she resorts to casting a “love spell” on him, only to fall deeper into her enemy’s trap. Lei Jia-Rui describes her role as someone “who goes down a road of no return for love.” Tong Binyu, playing the part of a tattoo artist, and Liao Yi-Xuan, playing the “auntie,” both portray women deeply consumed by obsession for love. Tong Binyu described her character as someone who goes to extremes out of blind love, destined never to find a happy ending.

Taiwanese actor Lin Li-Yang, who also serves as the action director, joked that his character is a “devoted man,” but the director poked fun and added: “He’s actually a scumbag!” Lin Li-Yang laughed, “In this movie, I have all kinds of ‘interactions’ with several actresses—truly blessed with romance!”

Director Xu Ziyao shared that the story was inspired by his own past relationship experiences. “This is a horror film wrapped in a love story—it’s unlike the typical horror films out there.” Interestingly, he repeatedly emphasized that it’s a “romance film,” while Tong Binyu reminded everyone: “Don’t treat it as just a romance; all the terrifying horror elements are definitely there. It’s a horror romance!”

The movie specifically began shooting during the seventh lunar month, or Ghost Month, with Tong Binyu laughing, “That made the atmosphere even more intense!” She also revealed that the film is expected to be released next year during the lunar seventh month. After wrapping up her new movie “No Trespassing,” she started yet another project. Does she worry about competing against herself when the films are released? She replied humorously: “With my experience from the Lunar New Year release this year, I’ll try my best to avoid that situation. Also, since the two films are different genres, their release slots likely won't clash.”