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Mystery thriller

Lost in the Stars (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Lost in the Stars (2022) movie poster

Lost in the Stars is a 2022 mystery thriller directed by Xiang Liu and Rui Cui, starring Zhu Yilong as He Fei, Janice Man Wing-San and Huang Ziqi. It runs 2 hours 2 minutes and earned $487.6 million worldwide on a $70 million budget. Its Echo Score is 71/100.

worldwide gross
$487.6M
Echo Score
71
budget
$70M
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Lost in the Stars (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 2m (122 min)
Directors
Xiang Liu and Rui Cui
Genres
Thriller , Mystery , Crime
Original language
Chinese
Budget
$70M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Lost in the Stars About?

The premise of Lost in the Stars without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

During their anniversary trip, He Fei’s wife Li Muzi disappears, and when she mysteriously returns he insists she isn’t his wife. Top attorney Chen Mai is brought in to represent He Fei, and as she probes the baffling case and the investigation unfolds, increasingly strange clues and hidden motives begin to surface, deepening the mystery.

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Cast & crew

Lost in the Stars Cast & Characters

Zhu Yilong leads the cast as He Fei, with Janice Man Wing-San as Li Muzi Impersonator and Huang Ziqi as Li Muzi. Directed by Xiang Liu and Rui Cui; 16 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Lost in the Stars

· 12 more
Ratings

Lost in the Stars Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (78) and weakest in story & flow (65).

71 /100

Lost in the Stars Echo Score Breakdown

Lost in the Stars delivers a high‑octane mystery that polarizes viewers. The direction maintains relentless momentum, while the visual palette is striking, yet the narrative’s tangled twists and occasional logical lapses diminish coherence. Performances range from compelling, especially Zhu Yilong’s layered portrayal, to uneven supporting work. Sound design and cinematography oscillate between vivid and over‑styled. Although the film’s relentless suspense encourages repeat viewings for some, its structural flaws limit broader rewatch appeal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    Direction pushes the plot forward with a freight‑train pace and vivid color schemes, creating an engaging visual rhythm. However, critics note inconsistencies in lighting and occasional over‑dramatized sound effects that undermine polish. While the cinematography delivers striking set pieces, the editing sometimes sacrifices logical clarity, resulting in a mixed but energetic artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    Zhu Yilong’s performance is frequently praised for its layered nuance, and Ni Ni’s portrayal adds subtle intrigue. Nonetheless, several reviewers highlight weak character development and uneven chemistry among the supporting cast, leading to moments that feel hollow. The overall acting therefore oscillates between compelling leads and inconsistent secondary performances.

  • Story & Flow 65

    The plot brims with twists and misdirections that keep the audience guessing, yet many find the narrative overly convoluted and plagued by logical gaps. While some applaud its daring structure and suspenseful pacing, others describe the story as thin and predictable, limiting its overall coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    The film’s soundtrack and sound design create an atmospheric tension that supports the mystery. Visually, the use of vivid colors and dynamic camera work adds eye‑candy, though some critics cite outdated lighting and over‑styled effects that distract. Overall, the sensory elements are engaging but occasionally uneven.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    Despite structural flaws, the relentless suspense and frequent twists encourage some viewers to revisit the film for hidden clues. Positive reactions from several reviewers suggest a desire for a second viewing, while others doubt its lasting appeal due to the convoluted storyline. Consequently, its rewatch value is moderate to high among fans of intricate thrillers.

Plot

Lost in the Stars Plot Summary

What happens in Lost in the Stars from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In August 1949, in the South African village of Ndotsheni, the quiet life of the people is touched by a moment of urgent worry. The black Anglican priest at St. Mark’s Church, Rev. Stephen Kumalo, receives a letter from his brother John Kumalo in Johannesburg, telling him that their sister is in trouble. This news sets Stephen on a journey to the city to help his sister, and, as a brother, to search for his son Absalom, who works in the mines. The community song The Hills of Ixopo drifts through the air as the old man prepares to travel, a reminder of home and the distances that divide people.

Full summary

The whole story of Lost in the Stars, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Lost in the Stars Box Office & Budget

Lost in the Stars grossed $487.6 million worldwide on a $70 million budget, 7.0 times what it cost. $1.7 million came from the US and Canada and $485.9 million (100%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$487.6M

7.0× its budget

US & Canada
$1.7M
International
$485.9M
Budget
$70M
US & Canada 0% Rest of the world 100%
Videos

Lost in the Stars Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Lost in the Stars.

International Trailer [Subtitled]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Lost in the Stars?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

In which year does the story take place?

Seen Lost in the Stars?

FAQ

Lost in the Stars FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Lost in the Stars, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Lost in the Stars?

Lost in the Stars runs 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes).

When was Lost in the Stars released?

Lost in the Stars was released on December 25, 2022.

Who directed Lost in the Stars?

Lost in the Stars was directed by Xiang Liu and Rui Cui.

Who is in the cast of Lost in the Stars?

Lost in the Stars stars Zhu Yilong as He Fei, Janice Man Wing-San as Li Muzi Impersonator and Huang Ziqi as Li Muzi, among 16 credited actors.

How much did Lost in the Stars make at the box office?

Lost in the Stars grossed $487.6 million worldwide ($1.7 million domestic, $485.9 million international) on a budget of $70 million.

Does Lost in the Stars have a post-credit scene?

No. Lost in the Stars has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Lost in the Stars in?

The original language of Lost in the Stars is Chinese.

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