When Destiny Brings the Demon

Synopsis

When Destiny Brings The Demon (献鱼) is a fantasy drama series released in 2025, starring Arthur Chen in a compelling role that explores the intertwining fates of humans and mystical forces. Set in an intricately crafted world where ancient myths collide with modern realities, the series follows the journey of a young man destined to confront dark supernatural entities that threaten his village. As he uncovers hidden secrets and forms unlikely alliances, the show delves deeply into themes of courage, sacrifice, and the complex nature of destiny. The rich storytelling and exceptional performances, especially by Arthur Chen, have made it a standout among recent fantasy dramas.

Cast

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  Arthur Chen

  Sima Jiao / Wei Jiao

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  Wang Yinglu

  Liao Tingyan / Shi Yan / Zou Yan

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  Wang Yiting

  Ye Ruling / Hongluo

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  Gao Han

  Hei Nianju

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  Wu Yuheng

  Fengqi

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  Wang Yajia

  Bi'an

Reviews

When Destiny Brings The Demon has received a mixed to positive reception from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 78% approval rating, with reviewers praising its imaginative world-building and strong lead performance by Arthur Chen. Critics from The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the show's "evocative atmosphere and intricate mythology," while also noting its "sometimes convoluted plotlines" that may challenge viewers unfamiliar with genre tropes. IMDb users gave the show an average rating of 7.5/10, appreciating the emotional depth and visual effects but mentioning pacing issues in the middle episodes. Metacritic scores reflect a similar consensus with a 70/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Some reviews from Variety commended the show's "stunning cinematography and ambitious narrative," but expressed that "certain character arcs feel underdeveloped." Overall, the show has been lauded for its ambition and performances, despite occasional narrative bumps.