A Chinese shepherd tries to enlist help in getting his son released from prison; when a wandering stranger enters his life, his focus is diverted as his own plans turn to chaos.

A masterful debut feature, Chen Jianbin’s A Fool is a stylish noir utilizing deadpan humor to satirize the greed underneath China’s income divide. Shot mostly in long takes, the performers are given room to drive the tense story, while also softening its edge with great banter and affection.