‘Forge’ Review: Jing Ai Ng Puts a Fresh Coat of Paint on a Satisfying Crime Caper
Writer-director Jing Ai Ng’s debut film, “Forge,” delves into the world of art forgery, focusing on Raymond (Brandon Soo Hoo) and Coco Zhang (Andie Ju), second-generation Chinese American siblings who create convincing replicas of famous artwork. The film, screened at SXSW, explores themes of identity, ambition, and the complexities of navigating cultural expectations. While the film never reveals the exact formula behind their successful forgeries, the narrative emphasizes the siblings’ confidence and their ability to deceive experts.
“Forge” presents an intriguing exploration of authenticity. The siblings’ success hinges not just on technical skill but also on their ability to convince others of the paintings’ legitimacy. This dynamic is rooted in their experiences growing up in a culture different from that of their parents, with the film questioning what it truly means to belong. The real thrill of the film lies in the exploration of how the characters define their own reality.
The Art of Deception and Family Dynamics
Raymond and Coco grapple with imposter syndrome, despite their evident talent. They have built a strong chemistry as a team. Raymond, entrepreneurial from a young age, once ran a fake ID business. Coco, the more academically inclined sibling and former art student, brings a deep understanding of the artists and techniques used, and a deep understanding of that art into the act of forging.
At the beginning of “Forge,” the siblings are struggling, making their first sale to a low-rent art dealer (T.R. Knight) at a roadside motel. Coco’s convincing portrayal of an inheritor makes her sale successful and drives her to more ambitious endeavors. She then connects with a wealthy family, and Raymond engineers a meeting with Holden (Edmund Donovan), the trust-fund grandson controlling the family’s art collection.
Twists and Turns
Holden proposes a deal, revealing that his events business has led to a financial crisis, and their family’s art collection was largely destroyed in a hurricane, requiring the siblings to forge artworks. The film includes instances of expository dialogue and moments of contrivance in service of the plot, particularly involving FBI Agent Lee (Kelly Marie Tran), who is investigating the source of the forgeries.
Agent Lee’s investigation leads to some humor. Ng cleverly uses the expectation that, as the token Asian on the team, Agent Lee would instantly know about Chinese restaurants. This humorous subversion of the stereotype subtly highlights power dynamics.
As the relationship between Holden and the Zhangs becomes strained, the film draws a powerful comparison between the Zhangs’ struggles and Holden’s privilege, emphasizing the investments they have made as they began at a disadvantage.
Despite moments where the film might appear to be playing a bigger game than it can pull off due to limited resources, it comes across as a production with real style. Ju’s performance adds an incredible magnetism to the film.
There’s a bittersweet element to the story since Coco realizes the con is her greatest talent. Despite this, the film is ultimately hopeful, as there is still much going on under the surface, even after the siblings manage to create convincing forgeries.
“Forge” offers a compelling narrative about identity and the pursuit of authenticity, enhanced by the performances and the film’s distinctive energy.
Reviewed at WME Screening Room, Los Angeles, March 4, 2025. In SXSW (Narrative Spotlight). Running time: 114 MIN.
Production: A Florida Man Films presentation, in association with Liucrative Media. (World Sales: WME, Los Angeles.)
Producers: Liz Daering-Glass, Gabrielle Cordero, Jing Ai Ng, Damian Bao.
Crew: Director, writer: Jing Ai Ng. Camera: Leo Purman. Editor: Briana Chmielewski. Music: Ian Chang, Marco Carrión.
With: Kelly Marie Tran, Andie Ju, Brandon Soo Hoo, Edmund Donovan, Eva De Dominici, T.R. Knight, Sonya Walger (English, Chinese dialogue)
