Pierce

Drawing from her own background as a competitive fencer, Nelicia Low makes a stunning feature directorial debut with this drama set in the world of fencing. Young fencer Zijie finds his world upended when his older brother, three-time national fencing champion Zihan, is released from juvenile prison. Zihan was incarcerated for what he maintains was the accidental death of an opponent. Zijie wants some connection (and fencing tips) from his enigmatic older brother, but their mother is convinced of Zihan’s malevolence and seeks to end their brotherly bond. Featuring meticulously staged fencing matches and pitch-perfect performances, this unnerving psychodrama announces Nelicia Low as a future talent to follow.