Directed by
Dante Lam
Made by
China Lion Film Distribution
Discover the intricate plot of That Demon Within (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In an extraordinary turn of events, Dave Wong (Daniel Wu), a reclusive and resilient lawman, finds himself unexpectedly linked to Hon Kong (Nick Cheung), the merciless head of a criminal syndicate, when he donates his blood to save the feared gangster’s life. The shadowy villains, cloaked in traditional demon masks, carry out their violent acts with chilling precision. As the grip of madness tightens around Dave, he becomes enmeshed in a lethal game of chase with the gang, setting off a power struggle that spirals into devastating repercussions for everyone involved.
Yet, beneath the tumult lies a complex tapestry of emotional turmoil and haunting memories stemming from Dave’s troubled upbringing. Raised in harsh conditions with a frantic father unable to shield him from the world’s cruelties, Dave’s childhood was marred by neglect. The tragic passing of his father, caused by the heartless actions of a police officer who bore a disturbing resemblance to Hon Kong, plunged young Dave into a maelstrom of rage and deep-seated guilt.
In the years that followed, a rash decision by Dave to seek vengeance against those he believed were responsible for his father’s tragic end only deepened his psychological scars, leading him into a downward spiral of despair. However, that fateful moment when he saved Hon Kong’s life ignites a flicker of hope and serves as a powerful catalyst for Dave, pushing him to confront the long-buried traumas from his past. He is presented with a crucial chance for redemption, compelling him to face the inner darkness that has plagued him and to seek forgiveness for the errors of his past. In an ultimate quest for atonement, Dave must find the strength to battle his inner demons while grappling with his own life’s fragility and the heavy burden of unresolved conflicts.
Track the key events of That Demon Within (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Dave's Troubled Childhood
Dave Wong grows up in a harsh environment, marked by neglect and emotional turmoil. His father struggles to protect him from the cruelty of the world, setting the stage for Dave's tumultuous future.
Tragic Loss of His Father
The death of Dave's father occurs due to the intolerable actions of a police officer. This event leaves young Dave consumed by rage and guilt, shaping his psychological state for years to come.
Dave's Quest for Vengeance
As an adult, Dave becomes overwhelmed by his desire for vengeance against those he believes are responsible for his father's death. This reckless pursuit deepens his despair and worsens his mental anguish.
Donation of Blood
In a fateful twist, Dave finds himself donating blood to save Hon Kong, a ruthless gangster. This unexpected act of kindness links him to the very force that symbolizes all he despises.
Encounter with the Criminal Syndicate
After saving Hon Kong, Dave becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of a criminal syndicate. The gang members, concealed behind traditional demon masks, orchestrate violent acts that increasingly draw Dave into their chaotic realm.
The Tightening Grip of Madness
As the events unfold, Dave feels the grip of madness tightening around him. He is forced to navigate a lethal game of cat and mouse with Hon Kong’s gang as the stakes rise dramatically.
The Power Struggle Unfolds
A fierce power struggle ensues as Dave confronts the criminal elements that threaten his life. This struggle has devastating repercussions, not only for him but also for everyone involved in the conflict.
Dave Faces His Past
Caught in a whirlwind of chaos, Dave is compelled to confront the traumas of his past. The emotional burdens he has carried begin to surface, forcing him to acknowledge long-buried feelings.
A Flicker of Hope
Dave's act of saving Hon Kong serves as a pivotal moment, igniting a flicker of hope within him. This moment pushes him towards a possible redemption, despite being trapped in a treacherous situation.
The Quest for Atonement
Now presented with a chance for atonement, Dave wrestles with his inner demons. He seeks forgiveness not only from others but from himself, challenging the darkness that has haunted him for years.
Confrontation with Hon Kong
As tensions escalate, Dave confronts Hon Kong, who represents both danger and a catalyzing force for change. This confrontation is not only physical but symbolic of Dave’s struggle for resolution.
Battling Inner Demons
Dave embarks on an introspective journey, battling the inner demons that have plagued him throughout his life. This struggle becomes essential for his personal evolution and quest for redemption.
Repercussions of his Actions
The consequences of Dave's choices reverberate through his life and the lives of those around him. His quest for vengeance and redemption draws in innocent parties, leading to tragic outcomes.
Final Resolution
The culmination of Dave's journey leads to a final resolution where he must decide between continuing the cycle of vengeance or embracing forgiveness. This decision will ultimately shape his future and peace of mind.
Meet the characters that bring That Demon Within (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Dave Wong
Dave Wong is a reclusive lawman marked by his turbulent past and an unquenchable thirst for justice. Despite his resilience, he wrestles with deep emotional scars from his childhood trauma, which influence his actions and decisions. The film explores his psychological journey as he seeks redemption for mistakes that haunt him.
Hon Kong
Hon Kong serves as the menacing antagonist, the head of a criminal syndicate whose reckless actions and dark motives pose a significant threat to Dave. Despite his ruthless persona, his life is intertwined with Dave’s through fate, when Dave’s altruism temporarily makes him a pivotal figure in Hon’s existence. Their complex dynamic drives much of the narrative's tension.
Explore the core themes of That Demon Within (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🕊️
Redemption
The theme of redemption intertwines with Dave's journey as he grapples with his past mistakes and seeks forgiveness. After a traumatic upbringing and spiraling into vengeance, he faces a pivotal moment that ignites hope for atonement. This challenging quest compels Dave to confront his inner darkness and search for a path towards healing.
💔
Trauma
Trauma plays a significant role in shaping Dave's character and actions throughout the film. His harsh childhood experiences and the guilt stemming from his father's death lead him into a life marked by despair and anger. The narrative explores how these unresolved issues manifest, affecting not just Dave but everyone around him.
🔫
Conflict
Conflict arises on multiple levels—between Dave and the criminal syndicate, within Dave himself, and in his relationships with others. The clash of past traumas and the present threat from Hon Kong's gang creates a tension-filled environment where survival and moral dilemmas intersect. This conflict propels the story forward, amplifying the stakes for all involved.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.