Bing Liu’s Preparation for the Next Life (2025) is a U.S. drama written by Martyna Majok, adapted from Atticus Lish’s award-winning novel. It stars Sebiye Behtiyar and Fred Hechinger.
The story follows Aishe, an undocumented Uyghur immigrant in Queens, and Skinner, a recently discharged soldier, as they navigate hardship and a fragile romance. The film opened in select theaters on September 5, 2025 via Amazon MGM Studios.
Preparation for the Next Life Age Rating
Preparation for the Next Life is rated R for language and brief sexuality. The film runs about 1h 56m and released theatrically in the U.S. (limited). Expect mature dialogue, a non-graphic intimate moment, and intense real-world stressors linked to immigration status and trauma; there is little to no graphic violence. (MPA bulletin note and distributor listing confirmed.)
Violence & Peril
Mild to moderate. The danger comes from realistic tension: police/immigration encounters, fear of detention, and the strain of PTSD. One sequence involves immigration officers arresting a character; it’s distressing but not gory. Overall, the film emphasizes anxiety and vulnerability over on-screen violence.
Language
Strong language is frequent. The R rating is specifically for language, including multiple uses of strong profanity in stressful moments.
Mature Themes
Immigration precarity, detention risk, xenophobia, financial instability, and post-deployment trauma are central. A brief, non-graphic sexual moment appears. The film also touches on faith and identity (a mosque scene) while keeping a grounded, naturalistic tone.
Is Preparation for the Next Life Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The themes (detention, PTSD, adult hardship) and strong language are too mature.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Thoughtful teens may handle the material, but the anxiety around deportation and the R-level language warrant discussion.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. Older teens can appreciate the empathy and social themes; parents should be ready to talk about immigration, trauma, and boundaries.
Final recommendation: 16+ with guidance (R for language/brief sexuality; emotionally intense but not graphic).
What Parents Can Do
Set expectations about intensity. Explain the film’s focus on immigration stress and PTSD before viewing.
Discuss real-world context. Afterward, talk about undocumented life, due process, and support systems for veterans.
Model media literacy. Ask teens how the camera treats Aishe’s perspective and whether the romance feels healthy.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is Preparation for the Next Life rated and why?
It’s rated R for language and brief sexuality (theatrical release by Amazon MGM Studios).
2) Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
Not for kids. Younger teens may find the detention anxiety and strong language too intense; best for 16+ with guidance (editorial judgment).
3) Does it have violence or scary scenes?
No graphic violence, but there’s a tense immigration arrest and sustained fear of detention that can be upsetting.
4) How strong is the language? Are there slurs?
Language is frequent and strong, which drives the R rating; reviews emphasize profanity rather than slurs.
5) How much sexual content is there?
A brief, non-graphic sexual moment; no extended nudity reported in mainstream coverage.