Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Bing Liu, the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker behind “Minding the Gap,” returns with his narrative feature debut “Preparation For The Next Life.” The first official clip has now arrived, showcasing the raw connection between Sebiye Behtiyar as Aishe, a Uyghur immigrant navigating life in New York City, and Fred Hechinger as Skinner, a soldier carrying the weight of three tours in the Middle East.
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Adapted by Martyna Majok from the acclaimed novel by Atticus Lish, the drama tells the story of two outsiders who discover love and the fragile promise of a future together. The project is backed by an impressive producing team: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adele Romanski, and Barry Jenkins, with Brad Pitt, Bing Liu, and Sophia Lin serving as executive producers.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Aishe, a Uyghur woman trained by her military father, migrates to New York City, where she finds herself laboring in Chinatown’s underground kitchens. She fatefully encounters Skinner, a young American soldier who has just returned from three tours in the Middle East. While falling in love, they discover the possibility of a better life together than the ones they believed they were destined to live alone.
Orion Pictures presents, in association with Plan B Entertainment and Pastel, a story of resilience, intimacy, and survival. Rated R for language and brief sexuality, the film has already generated early buzz as one of the fall’s must-see dramas.
“Preparation For The Next Life” opens in select theaters this Friday, September 5. Watch the official clip and trailer below.


