Preparation for the Next Life (film)
| Preparation for the Next Life | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Bing Liu |
| Screenplay by | Martyna Majok |
| Based on | Preparation for the Next Life by Atticus Lish |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Ante Cheng |
| Edited by | Anne McCabe |
| Music by | Emile Mosseri |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Amazon MGM Studios |
Release date |
|
Running time | 116 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $43,421[2][3] |
Preparation for the Next Life is a 2025 American drama film directed by Bing Liu, from a screenplay by Martyna Majok. It is based upon the 2014 novel by Atticus Lish. It stars Sebiye Behtiyar and Fred Hechinger.
It was released on September 5, 2025, by Amazon MGM Studios.
Premise
A Uyghur migrant to New York lives a meagre existence laboring in Chinatown’s underground kitchens, but her future suddenly becomes hopeful when she falls in love with an American soldier.
Cast
- Sebiye Behtiyar as Aishe
- Fred Hechinger as Skinner
Production
In March 2023, it was announced Bing Liu would direct an adaption of Preparation for the Next Life by Atticus Lish, with Plan B Entertainment and Pastel producing, with Orion Pictures set to distribute.[4] Principal photography took place in New York City.[5]
Release
It was released on September 5, 2025, by Amazon MGM Studios.[6]
Reception
Critical reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 96% of 25 critics' reviews are positive.[7] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 83 out of 100, based on 12 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[8]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gotham Independent Film Awards | December 1, 2025 | Best Adapted Screenplay | Martyna Majok | Nominated | [9] |
| Breakthrough Performer | Sebiye Behtiyar | Nominated |
References
- ^ "Preparation for the Next Life (15)". British Board of Film Classification. October 24, 2025. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
- ^ "Preparation for the Next Life (2025) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Nash Information Services, LLC. Retrieved September 12, 2025.
- ^ "Preparation for the Next Life". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved September 12, 2025.
- ^ Lavalee, Eric (March 21, 2023). "Minding the Crap: Bing Liu Preps Fiction Debut "Preparation for the Next Life"". ION Cinema. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
- ^ "Now Casting: 'Preparation for the Next Life,' Physician's Choice, Chevrolet". Casting Networks. January 11, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
- ^ Lattanzio, Ryan (July 17, 2025). "Fred Hechinger and Sebiye Behtiyar Are a Vet and an Immigrant in Love in 'Minding the Gap' Director Bing Liu's 'Preparation for the Next Life' — First Look". IndieWire. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
- ^ "Preparation for the Next Life". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ "Preparation for the Next Life". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
- ^ Goldsmith, Jill (October 28, 2025). "Gotham Awards Film Nominations: 'One Battle After Another' Leads Pack; Multiple Noms For 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You', 'It Was Just An Accident', 'No Other Choice'". Deadline. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
4."Preparation for the Next Life (2025) Filming Locations". 2025-08-01. Retrieved 2025-08-01.