BETTER LIFE: A Dark Comedy That Reimagines the American Dream
If you’re drawn to stories that blend sharp humor, emotional depth, and cultural complexity, keep your eyes on BETTER LIFE, an upcoming feature film from director Jessica Liu. This indie gem is gaining attention for its original take on generational sacrifice and ambition within immigrant families. With a story grounded in lived experience, a talented cast, and direction that’s both playful and poignant, BETTER LIFE is shaping up to be one of the most compelling character-driven films of the year.
Plot Summary
BETTER LIFE centers on Gao, an aging, working-class Chinese immigrant who believes he’s found one last opportunity to achieve the American Dream. A new experimental medical procedure claims it can transform slackers into overachievers—and Gao sees this as the only hope for his unemployed daughter, Winnie, to live a better, more successful life.
As Gao pushes his daughter toward the procedure, tensions rise and old wounds resurface. What begins as a satire about success culture becomes a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, personal expectations, and the invisible weight of generational sacrifice.
Director Jessica Liu’s Creative Vision
Written and directed by Jessica Liu, BETTER LIFE is inspired by her own family’s journey navigating cultural identity and ambition. Raised between Shanghai and the San Francisco Bay Area, Liu brings a deeply personal perspective to the film. She describes BETTER LIFE as “a story of my father’s rise and fall in pursuit of the American Dream,” reflecting the emotional and psychological cost of assimilation within immigrant communities.
Liu’s ability to balance character-driven storytelling with a satirical edge gives the film a distinct voice—one that challenges mainstream narratives while remaining emotionally accessible.
From Short Film to Feature
The project began as a short film of the same name, which received recognition at prestigious U.S. festivals such as the New York Asian Film Festival, HollyShorts, LA Shorts, and the Asian American International Film Festival. The success of the short laid the foundation for the feature-length version, allowing Liu to expand the world of her characters and deepen the emotional stakes.
Themes and Social Relevance
At its core, BETTER LIFE explores the pressure to succeed, the illusion of shortcuts to fulfillment, and the complex relationships between immigrant parents and their American-born children. It’s a satirical yet sensitive portrait of how ambition can both empower and alienate—especially when it’s inherited rather than chosen.
The film also serves as a critique of modern society’s obsession with productivity and the extremes people go to in order to “improve” themselves, even at the expense of personal well-being and authenticity.
Casting Director Behind the Film
The casting for BETTER LIFE was led by Tanya Giang, a veteran casting director known for her versatile and inclusive approach to storytelling. Giang’s recent credits include Ultraman: Rising (2024), Riverdale (2017), and A Great Divide (2023). Her work spans multiple genres, from animation and drama to socially driven narratives—making her uniquely equipped to curate the rich, diverse ensemble needed for BETTER LIFE.
Giang’s casting choices in the film help elevate the script’s tension and comedy, ensuring that each character feels emotionally real and culturally grounded. Her talent for discovering fresh faces and balancing them with seasoned performers adds depth and authenticity to this generational story.
What Makes BETTER LIFE Stand Out
What sets BETTER LIFE apart is its ability to take a deeply personal narrative and make it universally resonant. Through a darkly comedic lens, the film examines power dynamics within families, questions the myth of meritocracy, and offers a rare depiction of Asian immigrant life that’s both specific and widely relatable.
Liu’s direction, combined with a strong cast and a sharp script, ensures that BETTER LIFE is more than just another indie drama—it’s a cultural conversation wrapped in an entertaining, character-rich story.
Stay Connected with Project Casting
Looking to audition for a role in BETTER LIFE or similar independent feature films? Project Casting is your one-stop destination for casting updates, production news, and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
To audition for a role in BETTER LIFE, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as jobs become available.
