Possession Street

This terrifying tale is curiously set in a Hong Kong “shopping mall.” It is not an expansive complex of fancy shops and eateries but instead a rundown building with small stalls stacked next to each other. Its tight-knit community of vendors is all but going out of business when a mysterious virus starts turning folks into raging zombies. The outbreak naturally sets off a harrowing fight to survive for the few remaining humans. This impressive no-nonsense debut by director Jack Lai throws Daoist folklore magic and historical context into the mix to bolster its striking local flavor and heartfelt pathos. Surprisingly nuanced characters and backstories meld with taut action set pieces and over-the-top special effects for a standout new Hong Kong horror movie perfect for the midnight crowd and more.