When love becomes a distraction, a sweet tension arises in ‘Preparation for the Next Life’

by

In a moment of deep introspection within Bing Liu’s “Preparation for the Next Life,” I found myself standing before the doors of a mosque, a place I hadn’t anticipated returning to. As an undocumented Uyghur immigrant from China, I had distanced myself from my religious roots. Yet, in the heart of bustling New York City, I felt lost and yearned for a sense of belonging. Seeking solace in this sanctuary steeped in cultural familiarity, the imam offered guidance that obedience would be honored in my next life. However, my thoughts lingered on the present, the life I was struggling to navigate right now.

Aishe has been working hard to improve herself since moving to New York, becoming more resilient, intelligent, and swift, aiming for a life that’s more prosperous, secure, and fulfilling. Just like many ambitious young women, there’s one potential obstacle that could potentially slow her progress – the arrival of a romantic interest.

Readying for Life’s Sequel” – this is Liu’s first fictional film, based on the success of his critically acclaimed documentary “Minding the Gap”. The latter, an emotionally charged exploration, focuses on Liu’s childhood friends – a close-knit skateboarding crew he documented throughout a significant life phase. Frequently, he included himself and his immediate family in the film.

In “Preparation for the Next Life,” Liu focuses his attention yet again on the tender journey through young adulthood during the early 20s. The title of this adaptation of Atticus Lish’s 2014 PEN/Faulkner Award-winning debut novel implies a transitionary period, as Aishe, while reminiscing about her past and planning for her future, encounters an unexpected individual who encourages her to fully embrace the present moment temporarily.

Movies

For Subscribers

The 27 best movie theaters in Los Angeles

As a cinephile roaming Los Angeles, I’ve handpicked no less than 27 cinematic gems that should be on every film lover’s radar! From the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre to the nostalgic New Beverly Cinema, these arenas truly embody the magic of cinema. The Alamo Drafthouse offers an unparalleled experience with dining and movies under one roof, while AMC in Burbank holds a special place due to its convenient location and top-notch service. Each theater has its unique charm and I can’t wait for you to discover them all!

In Queens, I cross paths with Brad Skinner (Fred Hechinger), and there’s an instant magnetic pull between us. Fresh out of the Army, he finds himself in New York City with some savings and a strong urge to escape his old life. We find solace in each other after meeting over beers at a Latin American cowboy bar, sampling Uyghur street food, and eventually sharing a shabby basement apartment.

For me, Brad is a welcome respite from my grueling job in restaurant kitchens where I’m paid under the table. On the flip side, I serve as a stabilizing force for him, helping him cope with his friend’s death, PTSD, and the chaos of managing medications and alcohol. Together, we find solace in our shared loneliness before we become each other’s world.

Liu skillfully guides us into a heartfelt love story through beautiful, vibrant, and flowing cinematography by Ante Cheng, accompanied by Emile Mosseri’s captivating music. The filmmaker utilizes this rich visual style to charm us into becoming enamored with the impossible, deeply passionate relationship between Aishe and Skinner.

In her storytelling, Aishe interlaces her recollections of her childhood with her Uyghur language monologues directed at her father, posing heartfelt queries that he can’t respond to due to his unreachability. Skinner’s past as a soldier prompts Aishe’s own physical preparation, where she runs miles and lifts weights. Her pursuit of her father isn’t merely external in the form of Skinner, but also internal, as fragments of her father’s essence resonate deeply within her memory.

Eager, determined, and yearning for an improvement in her circumstances, Aishe ponders marriage as a potential means to secure legal status. However, the only guidance she receives from an immigration attorney is a caution about choosing her partner carefully. She takes this advice to heart, slowly recognizing that her boyfriend may not be the key to her freedom but rather a burden, despite her efforts to support him. The situation is fraught with tension, as both Aishe’s precarious status (she faces arrest and detention at one point) and Skinner’s mental health issues are significant factors. This story mirrors a common theme of young love that evolves from a sweet beginning into a bitter ending.

The outstanding performances, particularly by Liu’s skillful direction, significantly enhance the script. In her first major role, Behtiyar delivers an astonishing performance, with fiery eyes, cryptic expressions, and a body that is always in motion, with Cheng’s camera maintaining a close proximity. The chemistry between Behtiyar and Hechinger is strong and passionate, despite their characters’ contrasting traits. It’s refreshing to witness Hechinger in a mature, romantic role, even as Skinner struggles with his inner struggles.

The film “Preparation for the Next Life” demonstrates a strong exploration of dreams, humanity, and determination, even if it lingers on heartache and indecision during its third act, extending beyond what the material seems capable of supporting. However, this movie is an impactful testament to the fact that each individual possesses a past, future, and a tale worth telling. Some relationships endure throughout one’s lifetime while others are fleeting, but nothing can hinder Aishe from pursuing her desires in this life – or perhaps even the next.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

Read More

2025-09-05 20:31