The unique aspect about immigrant story is that it takes a romantic angle. Sebiye Behtiyar plays a woman from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwest China, which is distinct from much of the rest of the country (they’re also predominately Muslim). She migrates to NYC where she ends up working in Chinatown’s underground kitchens. After a rather brief street encounter, she ends up in bed with an American soldier (Fred Hechinger) who’s just back from three tours in the Middle East. This unlikely pairing has it’s ups and downs, as she tries to balance her affection for him with the multiple challenges she faces as an immigrant. This is shot in a low-budget naturalistic style avoiding any melodramatic moments. The portrayals are sensitive without being sentimental. Before the end, the film becomes a poignant portrayal of this woman’s struggles and her determination to create her next life. 
(3 / 5)
