20 November 2024

Phantom Filmmaker

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After Yang (2021): The introspective sci-fi drama

What is After Yang about?

After Yang is a film set in the future where ‘technosapiens’, or human-like robots, roam the world. The story follows the family of Jake and Kyra, who bring a technosapien named Yang. Yang was adopted as a companion for their daughter Mika and formed a strong bond with her. 

Yang later malfunctions and Jake begins his quest to repair him. In his travels, he undergoes an introspective journey and discovers many truths about his family and the nature of humanity as a whole.

The gentle storytelling explores themes of family, technology, and consciousness, and seeks to answer what it means to be human.

After Yang basic information

  • Genre: Science fiction drama
  • Length: 96 minutes
  • Based on: Saying Goodbye to Yang from ‘Children of the New World by Alexander Weinstein’
  • Language: English

The production of  the After Yang movie

After Yang is a 2021 film from A24 and Showtime and held its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and claimed the Alfred P. Sloan prize. Following that, it was released at the Cannes Film Festival on July 8, 2021 before it was released in theaters and on streaming.

  • Director: Kogonada
  • Screenplay: Kogonada
  • Director of Photography: Benjamin Loeb
  • Editor: Kogonada
  • Production Design: Alexandra Schaller
  • Music: Aska Matsumiya and Ryuichi Sakamoto

The cast of After Yang

  • Colin Farrell – Jake
  • Jodie Turner-Smith – Kyra
  • Justin H. Min – Yang
  • Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja – Mika
  • Haley Lu Richardson – Ada

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the After Yang film based on a book?

Yes, After Yang is a film based on a short story from Alexander Weinstein’s collection titled ‘Children of the New World’. The story it’s based on is entitled ‘Saying Goodbye to Yang’.

Has After Yang won any awards?

Yes. It earned the Alfred P. Sloan prize when it was released during the Sundance Film Festival.

Is After Yang character-driven or plot-driven?

After Yang is largely a character-driven film. It focuses on the emotional journey and character development of its main characters. 

Is After Yang a good movie? 

After Yang is a powerful science fiction drama that encourages viewers to introspect on the meaning of humanity. If you’re someone who likes slow-paced and quiet storytelling, then you will enjoy the film.