Successor (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Successor (2024) is a Chinese comedy-drama that has taken the box office by storm, showcasing a blend of humor and emotional depth. Directed by Yan Fei and Peng Damo, known for their work on Goodbye Mr. Loser (2015) and Hello Mr. Billionaire (2018), Successor follows the journey of a family’s unconventional approach to raising their son to become the heir to their massive business empire.
In this review, we will dive into what makes Successor such a popular film, where you can watch it online, and how it stands out in an already crowded international film market.
Plot Overview
Set in the fictional town of Slinky Town, Successor centers around Ma Jiye (played by Xiao Bochen in his youth and Shi Pengyuan as a teenager), a hardworking student from a seemingly poor family. His parents, Ma Chenggang (Shen Teng) and Chun Lan (Ma Li), live a modest life. They go about their daily routines with simplicity, tending to their household, taking care of Ma’s mother, and sending Jiye to school.
Unbeknownst to Jiye, his parents are not poor but are instead hiding their wealth to instill values of hard work and humility in him. The family resides in a run-down house, but behind its false walls lies a high-tech command center where a team of employees ensures that their daily life runs smoothly. Ma Chenggang, the father, is a millionaire, and this entire setup is a part of their grand plan to prepare Jiye to inherit the family business.
As Jiye approaches high school and prepares for the rigorous entrance exams to Tsingbei University, he starts noticing strange things happening around him, leading him to investigate his family’s real situation. The film explores his coming-of-age journey while delivering humor, heart, and a critical look at the lives of China’s wealthy elite.
Review: A Comedy with Heart
Successor stands out in the Chinese film industry because it breaks away from the typical propaganda-driven films. It pokes fun at China’s ultra-rich in a way that resonates with both local and international audiences. The film has a comedic charm, thanks to the dynamic performances of its leading actors, Shen Teng and Ma Li, who bring the characters’ humorous interactions to life.
The humor in Successor primarily revolves around physical comedy and situational humor, which translates well across cultural and language barriers. Even audiences who don’t speak Mandarin can appreciate the film’s comedic timing. However, for those who understand Chinese, there are some wordplay jokes and cultural references that add an extra layer of laughter. For example, a character’s name sounding similar to the Mandarin phrase for a vulgar insult (as heard in some screenings) sparked additional laughs.
While the film’s comedy is universally appealing, the emotional undertone of Jiye’s relationship with his parents adds depth. The movie explores the pressures of living up to parental expectations and navigating between wealth and moral values, a theme that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
International Appeal
After dominating the Chinese box office, where it earned more than $500 million, Successor is now making its way to international markets. Distributed by CMC Pictures, the film is being released in territories such as North America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
The film’s success in international markets could be attributed to its universal themes of family, responsibility, and the pitfalls of wealth. Additionally, Successor has managed to outperform several big-budget Hollywood films in the Chinese market, such as Despicable Me 4 and Deadpool 3, further cementing its potential to be a global hit.
Where to Watch Successor Online
As the film continues its global rollout, there are several streaming options available for those eager to watch Successor online, especially in the United States.
Streaming Services:
- AMC+: Subscribers in the U.S. can stream Successor as part of AMC’s international movie collection.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase, Successor can be watched in HD or 4K quality.
- Google Play Movies & TV: U.S. viewers can rent or buy Successor for streaming on this platform.
- Apple TV: The movie is available on Apple TV for rental or purchase in various formats including HD and 4K.
In some regions, the film may also be available on local streaming services that specialize in Chinese cinema.
With its mix of humor, heart, and a unique take on the lives of China’s ultra-wealthy, Successor has captured the attention of audiences across the globe. Whether you’re looking for a fresh comedy or a film that offers some thought-provoking insights, Successor is well worth watching, and there are plenty of streaming options available for U.S. audiences to enjoy this international hit.
