‘There’s a Spiritual Cost to the Immigrant Narrative’

Currently showing in cinemas, the movie tells a compelling story about Aishe, a Uyghur immigrant portrayed by newcomer Sebiye Behtiyar, who endures a hardscrabble life working long hours in Chinatown kitchens. She cautiously develops a relationship with Skinner, an Army veteran dealing with PTSD and housing instability, played by Fred Hechinger. This relationship doesn’t provide respite from the oppressive systems affecting them individually, but rather highlights their struggles. Aishe’s marginalized position in America creates barriers to her happiness and connections, while Skinner’s lack of access to necessary PTSD care puts a strain on their bond. Director Liu elicits touching, poignant performances from the leads, and Martyna Majok’s screenplay steers clear of the overly sentimental or patronizing tropes often found in Hollywood depictions of immigration narratives.








