Preparation for the Next Life review: An Instagram vs. reality love story
Preparation for the Next Life came onto my radar when it received two Gotham Award nominations, and I’m so glad it inspired me to ask for a screener because it’s brilliant.
Based on a book of the same name by Atticus Lish, the film follows Aishe (Sebiye Behtiyar), a young Uyghur woman living illegally in New York City. One night, she meets recently discharged soldier Skinner (Fred Hechinger) and they have a wild, fun night and fall head over heels in love. Although they barely know each other, Aishe gets so swept up by the romance that she seeks legal advice about marriage, convinced Skinner is the answer to her problems.
However, over the ensuing weeks, the illusion shatters and more rational minds prevail. Their one night of fun does not represent what the rest of their life will be like. They need to work to make money and pay rent, and that’s just the start of it. Skinner has serious mental health issues, and he’s not reintegrating into civilian life very well. His behaviour is erratic, and he spends his days sleeping, taking his meds and drinking.
Skinner originally made Aishe feel free, like she could do anything. But that slowly fades, and she realises that she needs to make the best of this life rather than preparing for the next life. The passage of time is unclear, but the evolution of the relationship is compelling, and Aishe’s personal growth is beautiful.
Behtiyar received a Breakthrough Performer nomination for her performance, and it’s fully deserved. She’s so natural that it felt almost like a documentary! Aishe is pretty quiet and reserved in the beginning, but she slowly finds her voice and speaks up for herself. She gains agency and courage and realises that she shouldn’t settle for Skinner simply because he’s the closest thing to a solution. It’s actually quite maddening that a strong, hardworking woman who can speak many languages can’t get a good job or stay in the country, and an alcoholic bum can.
Directed by Bing Liu, Preparation for the Next Life is a slow yet beautifully told film that deserves to have more eyes on it.
In cinemas from Friday 12th December