Posted yesterday at 12:30 p.m.
The future in which this free adaptation of a novel by Alexander Weinstein is set is not specified, but we feel that it could be quite close. The American filmmaker Kogonada, who, five years later columbus, offers here a second feature film, invents a world in which the way of life of those who inhabit it is very similar to ours. The only difference lies in an even more advanced technology, yet very discreet, and the possible integration into families of androids specifically designed for their needs.
By buying Yang (Justin H. Min), a humanoid robot, Jack (Colin Farrell) and Kyra (Jodie Turner-Smith) wanted to offer a big brother to their adopted daughter Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjadja). It has also been programmed to establish links with the cultural roots of the girl of Chinese origin, an impossible task for the parents, even if Jack is visibly very sensitive to Eastern culture. This harmonious dynamic, illustrated from the start thanks to a dance scene in which all the members of the family take part, will however be disturbed the day when, for an unknown reason, Yang no longer functions.
Borrowing a very soft, very felted tone, Kogonada lingers to explore the bonds between the members of this family made up of people of different origins by bathing its history in a climate of melancholy. In this regard, After Yang has nothing of the traditional science fiction film, neither in the invoice nor in the tonality. It stands out more particularly thanks to its singularity, and also thanks to the vision of a filmmaker whose style, very stripped down, is already affirmed.
Launched last year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was presented in the Un certain regard section, After Yang is playing in theaters in its original English version.
Drama
After Yang
Kogonada
With Colin Farrell, Jodie Turner-Smith, Justin H. Min
1:41 a.m.