After Yang

| 2021

Directed by: Kogonada

Main Plot

After Yang follows a family living in a near-future world where technology and artificial intelligence are integrated into daily life. The story centers around a couple, Jake and Kyra, who have adopted a robotic child named Yang, designed to be a companion for their biological daughter, Mika. When Yang unexpectedly malfunctions, the family is faced with the emotional and existential implications of his loss. Jake embarks on a journey to repair Yang, which leads him to explore memories stored within the robot's system. As he delves into these memories, he reflects on themes of connection, identity, and the nature of what it means to be human. The film examines the impact of technology on relationships and the search for meaning in a world increasingly dominated by artificial beings.

Characters

  • Colin Farrell plays Jake, a father who seeks to repair his android son Yang, exploring themes of memory, connection, and what it means to be human.
  • Jodie Turner-Smith plays Kyra, the adoptive mother of Mika. She navigates family dynamics and grief after the malfunction of Yang, their android family member.
  • Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja plays Mika, the adopted daughter of a family who seeks to repair her android brother, Yang, exploring themes of memory, connection, and identity.

Ending Explained

In After Yang, the ending unfolds as the main character, Jake, grapples with the loss of Yang, the robotic companion designed to help his daughter, Mika, connect with her heritage. After Yang malfunctions and is ultimately unable to be repaired, Jake embarks on a journey of reflection, exploring the memories and experiences that Yang had collected. This leads him to a deeper understanding of the connections between family, technology, and what it means to be human. In the final scenes, Jake watches a video of Yang's memories, which highlights moments of joy, love, and the beauty of existence. This revelation allows Jake to appreciate the impact Yang had on their lives, despite being a machine. The film concludes with a sense of acceptance and hope as Jake and his family begin to move forward, cherishing the memories they shared with Yang. The ending emphasizes the themes of connection and the significance of relationships, illustrating how technology can enhance human experiences rather than replace them. Ultimately, After Yang leaves viewers with a poignant reflection on loss, memory, and the enduring bonds of family, suggesting that love transcends even the boundaries of life and artificiality.

Kogonada Drama Sci-Fi Colin Farrell Jodie Turner-Smith Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja