After Yang Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dad gets obsessed with his kid’s broken robot brother and forgets about his wife while diving into the robot’s secret digital life.

🍿 After Yang: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Malfunction

In a near-future world, Jake (Colin Farrell) and Kyra (Jodie Turner-Smith) live with their adopted daughter Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja) and a technologically advanced android named Yang (Justin H. Min). Yang is more than just a helper; he’s a companion for Mika, teaching her about her Chinese heritage. During a family dance competition, Yang unexpectedly malfunctions, leaving Mika heartbroken and Jake determined to fix him.

Searching for a Solution

Jake’s quest to repair Yang leads him down a complicated path. He initially seeks help from a repair technician but soon discovers that Yang’s system is more complex than he anticipated. His investigation uncovers hidden memories within Yang’s core, glimpses into a life Jake never fully understood. This sets Jake on a journey of self-discovery and reevaluation of his relationships.

Unveiling Yang’s Memories

As Jake delves deeper into Yang’s memories, he uncovers a series of poignant moments: interactions with previous owners, philosophical musings, and a deep connection with a young woman named Ada (Haley Lu Richardson). These memories reveal Yang’s capacity for emotions and experiences, challenging Jake’s perception of him as a mere machine. The memories also highlight the subtle distance that has grown between Jake and his own family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jake (Colin Farrell): A father who searches for a way to repair his daughter’s android companion, rediscovering his family in the process.
• Kyra (Jodie Turner-Smith): Jake’s wife who reconnects with her husband and daughter as they deal with the loss of Yang.
• Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja): A young adopted daughter who deeply misses her android companion, Yang, when he malfunctions.
• Yang (Justin H. Min): An android companion who malfunctions, prompting a family’s exploration of love, connection, and loss.
• Ada (Haley Lu Richardson): A character from Yang’s past who had a significant connection with him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Yang: “The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said: What the caterpillar calls ‘the end’ the rest of the world calls a butterfly.” – Yang quotes Lao Tzu while discussing the nature of endings and transformations.
• Yang: “I wish I could feel what you feel.” – Yang expresses his longing for human emotions to Jake.
• Jake: “I don’t want to forget him.” – Jake says this as he grapples with the loss of Yang and the impact he had on their family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $46,872
• Worldwide Gross: $729,254

💥 After Yang Reviews

Personal Review

I found After Yang to be incredibly moving. The way it explored the relationship between humans and AI felt so realistic and emotional. I loved the scenes where Jake went through Yang’s memories, it was like watching a life unfold. It really made me think about what makes us human and the importance of connection. The ending was bittersweet, but it left me with a feeling of hope.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of thoughtful science fiction”
  • “Those interested in philosophical themes”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who enjoy indie films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of death and loss”
  • “Mild thematic elements”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “A visually stunning and deeply contemplative film that explores themes of family, memory, and what it means to be human. Farrell delivers a nuanced performance as a father grappling with loss and rediscovering his relationships. The slow pace may not appeal to everyone, but those willing to immerse themselves will find a rewarding experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “After Yang is a quiet, melancholic film that raises profound questions about the nature of consciousness and connection. The performances are understated but effective, and the film’s visuals are striking. However, the story feels somewhat underdeveloped, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers.

Audience Reactions

The visuals are stunning and create a beautiful, futuristic world.: Most viewers appreciated the film’s thought-provoking themes and emotional depth, praising the performances and cinematography.

It has a quiet beauty and evokes a sense of melancholy that lingers.: Many people thought the movie was slow and boring.

Overall Consensus: After Yang is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores complex themes of family, memory, and what it means to be human. While its slow pace may not appeal to all viewers, those seeking a thoughtful and introspective experience will find much to appreciate.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the short story ‘Saying Goodbye to Yang’ by Alexander Weinstein, from his collection ‘Children of the New World’.”
• “Director Kogonada is known for his visual storytelling style, emphasizing the architecture and design of the film’s setting to reflect the characters’ emotional states.”
• “The movie explores themes of memory, identity, and what it means to be human in an increasingly technological world.”

🖥️ How to Watch After Yang?

After Yang is available for streaming on Showtime. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies & TV. Check your local listings for theatrical availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed After Yang, you might like these similar films:

• Ex Machina (2014): Explores similar themes of AI consciousness, human connection, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.
• A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001): Deals with an AI child’s quest for love and acceptance, similar to Mika’s bond with Yang.
• Blade Runner 2049 (2017): Features a futuristic setting and explores the nature of artificial beings and their memories.
• Her (2013): Focuses on a man’s emotional relationship with an AI, delving into themes of love, loneliness, and the blurring lines between human and artificial connection.

🛒 After Yang Related Products

• Saying Goodbye to Yang: Stories by Alexander Weinstein: This is the short story collection that inspired the movie, with a variety of tales exploring future technology and human connection.
• After Yang [Original Score] – ASKA: Experience the mesmerizing score that perfectly captures the film’s emotional tone.
• Colin Farrell Movie Poster: Showcase your love for Colin Farrell and After Yang with a high-quality poster.
• After Yang (Blu-Ray + Digital): Collector’s edition with behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and director commentary for a deeper dive into the film’s creation.

🎧 Soundtrack

After Yang features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Glide” – performed by Mitski
• “Air on the G String (From Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068) [For Piano – Siloti]” – performed by Johann Sebastian Bach

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

After Yang (2021) title sequence

Ever wondered about the story behind the opening credits? This video breaks down the title sequence of After Yang and it’s surprisingly artistic! It’s a short watch that will make you appreciate the film’s aesthetic even more.

✨ Rate