The 2020s have brought a wave of Asian-created content that delves into the Asian-American experience in compelling ways. Sean Wang's Myspace-era film "Dìdi" and Disney's contemporary retelling of "American Born Chinese" typify the relatable identity struggles many marginalized groups in America face in getting their share of the limelight. One of the most striking takes on this issue is Charles Yu's adaptation of his celebrated novel, "Interior Chinatown," told through the perspective of Willis Wu, an adult man grappling with his existence in a reality eerily reminiscent of "The Truman Show."
Set in the 1990s-a period of pagers and walkmans-Willis lives an unsatisfying life, yearning for a sense of purpose. He works as a waiter in a Chinatown restaurant and spends his evenings with friends, increasingly discontent as the 12th anniversary of his kung-fu prodigy older brother's disappearance arrives. Willis confides in his friend how he feels like a mere background character in someone else's story. Unbeknownst to Willis, he is just that-a background player in a police procedural drama series titled "Black & White: Impossible Crimes Unit."
The plot thickens when Willis becomes a key witness for a crime in Chinatown, prompting detective Lana Lee to seek his partnership. Reality and drama collide as Willis is pushed into a central role in his own surreal existence.
"Interior Chinatown” masterfully employs satire to address the underrepresentation and stereotyping of Asians in 90s media. It cleverly utilizes shifts in lighting and dialogue to depict Willis's reality, enforcing the sense that he is barely seen or acknowledged, despite being center-stage. Even when Willis attempts to steal focus, he's overshadowed by the main leads.
The brilliance of "Interior Chinatown" lies in its knack for making characters-for the most part-unaware they're on a show or playing a role. Willis' existential crisis, coupled with the show's satirical undertone, makes you want him to discover the truth about his reality and his purpose in it.
Jimmy O. Yang gives a spectacular performance as Willis, demonstrating the yearning for recognition buried under the weight of Asian underrepresentation. Chloe Bennet also excels, playing Lana, a character stereotypes often heavily define. The show is both an engaging critique of American television and an intriguing mystery, making it one of the standout shows of 2024. "Interior Chinatown" is now available on Hulu.
