Science fiction is a broad genre in cinema, however, there comes a time when the genre becomes grounded and tells a beautiful story. Kogonada’s film is set in the distant future in a world where robotic children can be purchased. A tea shop owner and father, Jake (Colin Farrell), and his wife Kyra (Jodie Turner-Smith) have an adopted daughter, Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja). They feel inadequate to teach Mika about her Chinese heritage, so they have Yang (Justin H. Min) an artificially intelligent sibling (or better known as a “techno Sapien” referred to in the film). Yang malfunctions and Jake becomes determined to get him repaired, however, he discovers that he might be the one who needs some fixing.
The film is brought together by an incredible supporting cast including Clifton Collins Jr., Haley Lu Richardson, and Richie Coster.
The film opens on a joyful happy note with a dance montage that includes just about every single cast member. The opening caught my attention as it feels reminiscent of playing around with Just Dance. It’s a funny opening for a film that leads down the emotional road exploring the power of human connection, memories, love, and grief. The way Kongonada presents this film is a lush and dreamy look given the cinematography, as the film is an intimate and meditative watch as he not only directed but wrote the screenplay and edited the film himself. Adapted for the screen by Alexander Weinstein’s short story Saying Goodbye to Yang, this is Kogonada’s second feature film. Kogonada is a bright director who has more potential to take audiences down futuristic worlds. The film has a focus on androids and draws in some themes in the current state of cultures and technology. However, Kogonada wants to dig deep for a fascinating discussion.
He leaves the audience to question what comes next in life? It’s a question that many times do not have an answer to.
There aren’t any answers since everyone’s questions are often left unanswered.
Performances by each of the actors are interesting, calm, and soft-spoken. Jake explores the deep memories into the mind Yang values and the importance it is to him. Farrell is exceptional as this may be one of his brightest performances to date. Min as Yang does not come off as robotic as robots or androids and could be stereotyped to portray as robotics. Min’s presence and delivery are genuine and natural and the audience could forget he’s a robot. His character is mysterious and he becomes even more fascinating once Farrell’s character grows to learn more about Yang. Also, the adorable and young actress Tjandrawidjaja is fantastic who is a character filled with wonder and curiosity.
It’s a slow-moving watch that’s therapeutic and captivating overall. It’s unlike any other sci-fi film as it’s a family drama that can pull anyone in with its futuristic tone. The film is simple and beautiful as it might be recognized as one of the greatest.
Catch this at US theatres 4th of March onwards!
I give this film a 9 out of 10.
