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 Muslim 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. Principal photography took place in New York City.
Release It was released on September 5, 2025, by Amazon MGM Studios.
Reception Critical reception Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 83 out of 100, based on 12 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".
Accolades Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient Result Gotham Independent Film Awards December 1, 2025 Best Adapted Screenplay Martyna Majok Breakthrough Performer Sebiye Behtiyar
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