Before 'Sugar', Colin Farrell Starred in This Overlooked Sci-Fi Drama That Deserves More Love

If you recently started watching Sugar and became a witness to Colin Farrell's ability to craft a character who is simultaneously aloof and profound, we have the perfect recommendation for you.

In 2021, After Yang, an intimate sci-fi drama directed by Kogonada, was released, but it largely flew under the radar.

What Is 'After Yang' About?

Jake, his wife Kyra, and their adopted daughter Mika live in the near future. Yang is a techno-sapien, which is not an android or a robot, but rather something far closer to a human being.

Yang was purchased not to help with housework but to help Mika, who is of Chinese heritage, connect with her roots. When Yang breaks down, Jake tries to fix him and finds that he has memories – an entire life that the family knew nothing about.

From now on, the movie becomes an exploration of memory and what it means to be human.

'After Yang' Is the Embodiment of a Masterpiece of Visual Poetry Within the Sci-Fi Genre

Kogonada, known for his video essays on cinema, has created a film that is often compared to the works of Yasujiro Ozu – it's not just science fiction, but also a philosophical parable, in which every scene is imbued with delicacy and depth.

The movie eschews grand special effects in favor of conveying emotion through simple details. Transitions between memories feel like wandering through a labyrinth of the past.

In After Yang, high technology serves as a gateway to an inner world previously inaccessible – a repository for the most intimate and cherished aspects of the human experience.

Kogonada draws upon the techniques of cinematic masters without diluting his own style, in fact, he strikes a deeply resonant chord.

'After Yang' Is a Subtle Film in Which Colin Farrell Plays One of His Most Unusual Roles

Best known for his tough-guy roles, Colin Farrell appears here in a completely new light.

He plays Jake, a father trying to hold his family together while grappling with his inner struggles. Farrell delivers a restrained, nuanced performance, conveying his character's internal struggle through subtle gestures and glances.

This ninety-minute movie encompasses a conspiracy mystery, the process of overcoming a crisis, and reflections on human nature. From this central topic, a multitude of thoughts unfold, touching on the mechanics of memory, child-rearing, and romantic relationships.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'After Yang'?

• After Yang has 89% from critics and 68% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.6/10.

• On Letterboxd, After Yang scored 3.8/5.0.

Where to Watch 'After Yang'?

After Yang is available to stream on Prime Video.