It was raining non-stop when Hong Kong was rocked by the tumultuous events of October 2014 (the "umbrella movement"). In a fixed sequence shot, the film captured students meeting each other in the hall, in the rooms, discussing, arguing about or remaining indifferent to the event, while it continued to rain outside.

Summer beach, yellow raincoat, curly-haired puppy and girls drenched by the sea. It is a cry for help and also a defense from teenage territory. Dyed hair is a protection for prying eyes. Rash that grows is a rejection of secrets. Soft intimidation becomes a long last bond and hope is wrapped under layers of woolen yarn that will not come to light. Another good day for swimming. The raging pain fades and the dampness lingers in Ariel's chant.

In a small town, the funeral of a matriarch brings about the reunion of family members, many returning to the village after leading new lives elsewhere, some no longer speaking the language of the native land. With the passage of time, the big clan becomes fragmented as members, like other modern Chinese in mainland China, face changes in lives, ideals, and family structures. The occasion becomes a hot ground for deals and negotiations that are inevitable amid the rapid development of China, where family members prosper while relationships become calculated. Still, a funeral procession amid an impending storm requires them, already down different paths, to walk together.

Joyce and Lily have a different class background but stealing unites their friendship. Joyce is the poor one who cannot afford a smart phone whereas Lily is the posh one who turns into a kleptomaniac due to a detached relationship with her family. When Lily spots Joyce stealing a phone from their classmates, Lily helps her out. They even join hands to be partners in crime. Lily teaches Joyce the art of stealing while Joyce appreciates her company. However, too many successes make them go further and further. While starting from shoplifting, they decide to pickpocket on streets. Will their ambition beat them down and have them arrested? Throughout Speaking Low, Joyce and Lily’s friendship also entails an ambiguity of their sexuality.

A young woman living with cerebral palsy discovers newfound independence and self-acceptance through her encounters with a specialized organization that helps people with disabilities explore their sexuality.