Preparation for the Next Life (2025)

Adapted from a 2014 novel by Atticus Lish, Preparation for the Next Life is the feature film debut of documentary filmmaker Bing Liu. With the help of screenwriter Martyna Majok, he paints a realistic and somber portrayal of Aishe, a Uyghur immigrant, as she struggles to make a living while undocumented in the United States.

Soon after arriving in New York, Aishe, played superbly by Sebiye Behtiyar, meets Skinner, a 23-year-old American soldier recently returned from the Middle East, brought to life by Fred Hechinger in a powerful performance. While Hechinger already has an impressive list of movies in his portfolio, including the Fear Street trilogy, Thelma, The Woman in the Window, and the widely acclaimed The White Lotus, this is the first feature film for Behtiyar, and she’s absolutely striking in the role.

From the moment they meet and form an instant connection, the film focuses on the contrast between their personalities and personal struggles as they navigate a relationship built on minimal knowledge of each other’s backgrounds. Aishe is hard-working and determined to make a life of her own in Chinatown, while Skinner is battling PTSD and mental health issues from his time in the war. She’ll soon have to face the fact that love isn’t enough, and she can’t help someone unwilling or unable to help himself.