Cathy Yan is a director worth taking note of. Her upcoming project is an adaptation of DC Comic's Birds of Prey, one that could potentially help fix the growing pains of that particular cinematic universe. But before that she makes her debut with Dead Pigs, a refreshing, light and absurd look at the modern, global China.

Using the real life scandal of thousands of diseased pig carcasses being dumped into the Huangpu river by impoverished farmers in 2013, Dead Pigs tells the story of a family impacted by a changing China. Candy Wang owns the last house in her neighbourhood that has not been demolished for a sparkling new high rise. Situated in a sea of rubble, Candy refuses to budge. Her brother faces ruin after becoming involved in terrible financial dealings and seeing his pig crop all die. Meanwhile a waiter in a city falls for a frequent diner in a strand that initially seems unconnected.

One of the great treats of Dead Pigs is how the film constructs its narrative, revealing how various characters are connected. It is an endearingly sweet film, with a warmth and charm that allows it to breeze past. This is all aided by a roster of fabulous performances, headed up by a ferocious and oft-hilarious turn from Vivian Wu as Candy. There are also compelling turns from Yang Haoyu and Mason Lee in a talented ensemble.

The film doesn't shy away from issues caused by China's expansion, with the drama at the centre of Dead Pigs coming from the conflicts caused by this changing nation. This gives the film a compelling edge. It may be funny, and there are a number of absurdly brilliant scenes here, but Dead Pigs also has a point and resonance. The comedy does help to offset some of the more melodramatic moments and it is noticeable that the film is less successful in balancing these in its final act. But for the most part, this is a unique and engaging take on modern Chinese life, with wonderfully surreal moments such as when Chinese villagers are playing with a VR headset (and having a lot of fun in the process).

It is always exciting to come across a new talent and Cathy Yan is an ambitious director, who has marshalled a complicated film that takes on a weighty subject with a lightness of touch. The absurd humour is welcome and Vivian Wu is simply fabulous at the centre. A must see slice of Chinese cinema.

This is a London Film Festival preview and Dead Pigs will be released at a later date.