After Yang (2022)

After Yang (2021) is an American science fiction drama film written, directed, and edited by Kogonada. Jake and Kyra have adopted a robotic teenage boy named Yang, along with their daughter Mika. They had purchased Yang from a defunct reseller, Second Siblings, as a way for Mika to connect with her Chinese heritage through cultural stories and facts. However, Yang suddenly becomes unresponsive after a family dance competition. Unfortunately, he is no longer under warranty since he was not bought directly from his original manufacturer, Brothers & Sisters Incorporated. This proves to be problematic for Jake and Kyra as they try to find an affordable way to repair their beloved robot. Eventually, they turn to a local repair store called Quick Fix, where it is discovered that Yang’s computing core has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced.

The technician suggests replacing Yang with a new unit at a costly expense to prevent decomposition. Despite Kyra’s suggestion of allowing Mika to grieve, Jake stands firm on saving Yang due to his belief in principles. In a past event, Yang reassures Mika that she is still part of the family despite being adopted. Following advice from his neighbor George, Jake seeks help from an off-grid technician named Russ. Russ offers to illegally repair Yang’s core, defying Brothers & Sisters’ user agreement. During the repair process, Russ discovers what he believes to be a hidden camera within Yang. Seeking more information, Jake consults Cleo, a museum specialist who reveals it as Yang’s memory bank – a device that records significant moments despite Brothers & Sisters’ denial and privacy concerns. As Jake watches through the “memories”, short clips of Yang’s everyday life unfold, featuring unaware and unsuspecting moments by the unit.