Yen and Ai-Lee, directed by Tom Shu-yu Lin, opens with Yen, played by Kimi Hsia, covered in blood and cycling towards the viewer. She surrenders at a police station for murdering her father. The black-and-white film competed at the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). It premiered earlier at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival, South Korea. Eight years after her release, Yen meets her mother, played by Kuei-Mei Yang. The mother welcomes her warmly, but tension simmers. Yen is upset to find her mother dating an abusive man, reminding her of her late father. She struggles to find work due to her past. When Yen’s half-brother Wei is left alone, their family bonds strain further. At the same time, the film follows Ai-Lee, who joins an acting class to feel comfortable in her own skin. Guided by Linda, a former professional mourner, Ai-Lee’s story runs parallel to Yen’s. The film shows how both women’s lives connect. Yen and Ai-Lee probes why people stay in harmful relationships. Yen’s mother keeps returning to abuse, worsening her connection with Yen. Their complex mother-daughter relationship is built on care but also pain. Symbols like the late father’s favourite hot sauce add layers to the story. Kimi Hsia’s restrained acting captures Yen’s unstable emotions. Yen stands for turmoil and doubt, while Ai-Lee represents calm and strength. The film reveals little about Ai-Lee’s past, suggesting she is free from such burdens. Kartik Vijay’s cinematography creates striking black-and-white images with smooth transitions from wide shots to close-ups. The lack of color heightens the somber mood throughout. The movie ends on themes of acceptance and breaking harmful cycles. With its slow pace and intertwined stories, Yen and Ai-Lee shows that healing takes time and letting go of the past. Published - December 18, 2025 05:06 pm IST