'Every Dog Has Its Day' explores aging through unlikely friendship

Chinese comedy-drama "Every Dog Has Its Day" premiered in Beijing on Thursday, exploring themes of life and death in a film aimed at middle-aged and older audiences.

The cast and crew of "Every Dog Has Its Day" pose at the film's premiere in Beijing, Jan. 8, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Maxtimes Culture]

Directed by Yue Yang and starring Li Youbin and Lin Gengxin, the film follows a suicidal retired steelworker (Li) who hires a down-on-his-luck caregiver (Lin) to assist him with suicide. What begins as a dark arrangement, played out through a series of comically staged suicide attempts, evolves into an unlikely friendship that helps both men confront their fears and rediscover purpose.

"Our lives have many moments of joy and sorrow," Yue said at the premiere. "I hope everyone who watches this film can find the courage to sing joyfully, even in the midst of sorrow."

Using warm and lighthearted cinematic language, the director addresses serious themes of aging and intergenerational communication. The filmmakers said the movie aims to foster empathy among younger viewers for the loneliness many older people face, while also helping older audiences understand the pressures confronting younger generations.

Yue, a former film producer making her directorial debut, completed the film to fulfill the final wish of her late friend and scriptwriter Shao Yan.

Shao's parents attended the premiere. "If Shao Yan's spirit is watching from above, he would surely see everything today, and he would be overjoyed. His final wish has finally been realized today," they said.

Co-screenwriter Liu Qian said he hoped audiences would "leave the theater feeling happy, and also a sense of healing."

A poster for "Every Dog Has Its Day." [Image courtesy of Maxtimes Culture]

The film marks the first big-screen collaboration between Lin and Li, whose intense yet heartwarming on-screen chemistry drew particular attention at the premiere.

Lin said the script deeply moved him and that it was his first time playing a caregiver character.

"Although the caregiver Ma Teng and I lead very different lives, I can understand and empathize with his situation. The way the two characters heal and redeem each other through friendship is what attracted me most," he said.

Veteran actor Li highlighted the film's broader social message. "I hope young audiences will bring their parents to watch this film," he said. "It is a comedy, but it also reflects a profound social reality. I hope it can draw more people's attention."

"Every Dog Has Its Day" will hit theaters nationwide on Jan. 16.