SXSW 2021 | Sincere Writing And Great Performances Make "See You Then" A Must-See Directorial Debut For Mari Walker

Call me odd, but when I hear about a movie that involves people engaged in an extended conversation, I’m instantly intrigued. For me, talking and sharing thoughts and experiences is a quintessential component to what being human is about. Screening at SXSW, See You Then facilitates this conversation with two women over the course of an evening. That might not sound like a lot to be invested in, but writer and director Mari Walker has crafted fascinating characters with complicated backgrounds, and - with the help of talented lead actors - has made this one of the most captivating conversations you’ll see at SXSW.

See You Then is almost entirely one extended discussion between Kris (Pooya Mohseni) and Naomi (Lynn Chen), who were once in a relationship and are only just reconnecting after over a decade of having not seen each other. Naomi is now a settled down wife, mother, and fine arts professor, while Kris has spent the last decade after the breakup living her true identity as a fully transitioned woman. Although most of their talk is pleasant, the evening is filled with honest and vulnerable discussion about their struggles in life and in dealing with the circumstances of their breakup. But the conversation eventually comes to a contentious head, and that’s when they both must confront the uncomfortable truths they’ve been avoiding all evening.

If you’ve ever spent time catching up with an old friend, you probably understand there’s something exciting and refreshing about reacquainting yourself with someone you used to know well, and something special in learning about the ways your lives diverged; what’s changed, and more curiously, what hasn’t. Naomi and Kris are so enthralled with learning about how their lives have developed that it’s easy as a viewer to also be invested in what they have to say about themselves. Detail by detail, Walker’s script establishes two very complex characters in Kris and Naomi, and spending the duration of the film learning the ins and outs of who they are is always intriguing and never a chore.

But these characters are really brought to life through the mesmerizing performances of Mohseni and Chen. No matter what direction the conversation goes, their chemistry feels authentic for every up and down beat of the story. Sure, it’s on-screen diversity at it’s best to feature an Asian-American female actor and a trans Iranian actor as leads in this film, but just as important, the story puts universal human struggles and emotions at the core of its purpose.

With a climax that is contentious and intense, this conversation between Kris and Naomi is complex and intricate enough for most audiences to take something relevant away. See You Then tender and endearing. It’s tough and uncomfortable. It’s heartfelt and heart wrenching. And ultimately, it is exceptional to watch.

MoviesThomas Stoneham-JudgeMarch 16, 2021mari walker, pooya mohseni, lynn chen, sxsw, SXSW 2021, SXSW Film Festival, film festival coverageComment