Based on a novel Saying Goodbye To Yang by Alexander Weinstein, After Yang follows the story of a family as they reflect on questions of love and connection after their AI breaks down. The story is a high concept one filled with so many emotions. If you have watched the movie Her, you would know the kind of complex emotions which were tapped there. The emotions of loss and grief coupled with philosophy related to today’s world(or even futuristic) make After Yang a special film right at the concept level. The screenplay standing at just above 90 minutes is taut yet it does not compromise on the fluidity of the drama. Based on whether AI is receptive to emotions and love, the screenplay opens with a family dance competition. Soon it shifts gears and focuses on the tragedy of their AI breaking down. From here on begins an emotional roller coaster which is a niche yet if you are willing to reciprocate the sheer wavelength at which the emotions are displayed then you will absolutely love it.

The subtleness in the drama is evident which gives it a lot of texture. The proceedings are soft and gentle and handled in the most delicate manner. In fact, the drama is so poignant that it almost gets philosophical and meditative with an underlying current of remorse of helplessness. Some may find hard to even connect to the drama, finding it uneventful. But it is about latching on to the smaller complex emotions to truly get a taste of the drama. The end is also very melancholic with the art of letting go of things in hope to cross paths again. And the only thing remaining would be some precious memories. Indeed a beautiful thought with the right use of technology in the narrative which is quite believable. Also, the dash of cultural references provided just add wonderfully to the overall texture of the drama. Beautiful, simply beautiful!