The First Taste of Loneliness (2026)

Directed by Gu You and written by Yang Yikun and Gu You, "The First Taste of Loneliness" is a Chinese drama produced by Chuxiao Pictures (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. The film explores the complex emotional landscape of three generations of women as they navigate themes of life, death, parting, and reconciliation. Starring Zhou Xun, Xi Meijuan, Monday Zhou, Wang Shengdi, Mu Zhicheng, and Xu Chaoying, the story centers on Jiang Yue, who, after her father's sudden passing, discovers a list of his final wishes and sets out to fulfill them.

Amidst this journey of healing, Jiang Yue confronts the surprising reality that her mother has begun a romance in her twilight years. The narrative uses the lens of these familial dynamics to examine the human condition, with the camera work often positioned as if observing from the perspective of the departed father, witnessing these poignant moments of farewell and understanding. The film aims to provide answers to the profound questions of existence through the characters' shared experiences.

The production took place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, with principal photography beginning on May 15, 2025, and concluding on June 16, 2025. The movie had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival on October 7, 2026. It received critical acclaim, winning the Artistic Contribution Award in the main competition section of the festival. Additionally, lead actress Zhou Xun was honored with the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Jiang Yue, marking a significant recognition of her performance in this deeply introspective role.

• The film runs for 135 minutes and features dialogue in Mandarin Chinese.
• International distribution is handled by Losange Films, with Tandem Films managing releases in France.
• Producers Single Zuolong and Du Kexin oversaw the project under the supervision of Du Kexin and Liu Kailuo.
• Zhou Xun's performance earned her the Best Actress title at the 31st Busan International Film Festival on October 15, 2026.