Bing Liu’s ‘Preparation for the Next Life’ is a compelling narrative debut that captures the struggles of love and identity amidst the immigrant experience in New York City.
‘Preparation for the Next Life’ Review
Bing Liu, the writer/director born in China, moved to the United States at the age of five. He received a Best Documentary Oscar nomination for his 2018 feature “Minding the Gap,” which explores the lives of male skateboarders in Rockford, Illinois.
Film Overview
His narrative feature debut, “Preparation for the Next Life,” is produced by Orion Pictures and Plan B, the latter of which is co-founded by Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, and Dede Gardner. This film follows a similar trajectory to RaMell Ross’ Oscar-nominated narrative debut “Nickel Boys,” which is also produced by Orion and Plan B and adapted from a celebrated novel. So, why is Amazon burying Liu’s film with a September 5 release date right in the middle of the fall festival season, without sending it to any festivals?
Storyline and Themes
The film centers on a bittersweet immigrant love story featuring Fred Hechinger as an army veteran and Sebiye Behtiyar as an undocumented Uyghur woman, Aishe, who arrives in New York City amidst peril and pain. Liu’s direction mirrors Ross’ approach, which earned “Nickel Boys” Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay nominations. Liu’s experience as a camera assistant on various projects contributes to the sophisticated visual storytelling in “Preparation for the Next Life,” which is based on Atticus Lish’s 2014 novel.
Despite its uneven dramatic structure, weighed down by trauma and breakups, the film’s occasional clumsiness does not detract from its promise. Liu’s documentary background shines through in his detailed portrayal of New York’s Chinatown and Lower East Side, capturing the vibrancy of the streets and the bustling kitchens where Aishe works.
Character Dynamics
Skinner, played by Hechinger, returns to New York City with nothing but a backpack and anti-anxiety medication, grappling with undiagnosed PTSD and self-medicating with alcohol. Aishe, who speaks Mandarin and English, faces discrimination as a Muslim, even from her landlord. The film reveals her perilous journey as a refugee from China, contrasting with Skinner’s reluctance to share his past.
Martyna Majok’s script thrives on the chemistry between Behtiyar and Hechinger, who fall in love across various New York City locations after a serendipitous encounter. Their relationship is challenged by their cultural differences and personal traumas. A pivotal confrontation highlights the film’s emotional depth, avoiding melodrama while maintaining authenticity. The piano-driven score by Emile Mosseri lingers long after the credits roll, enhancing the film’s beauty.
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Conclusion
As films vanish from studios’ rosters at an alarming rate, does Amazon/MGM Studios aim to be recognized as a corporation that neglects artists? “Preparation for the Next Life” begins its quiet release this weekend, yet it feels unsupported by the studio. There is an audience for this film, appealing to those who appreciate unsentimental, politically conscious romances. It is a flawed but impactful film deserving more recognition than being treated as a mere afterthought.
Grade: B-
Amazon/MGM Studios releases “Preparation for the Next Life” in theaters Friday, September 5.
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