Austin Film Festival Short Feature Review: ‘A Better Place’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

We are living in quite the unique time from a generational standpoint. Because it can be safely said that for the first time ever in modern society, that there has never been such the divide between the various generations. For the generation that came before, really does have a different view of the world and it’s worth to them and others. To the point where they so desperately want old traditions to continue, and they want to hold tight to items that they worked so hard to obtain, and pass them down as was done for them, and their fight to keep all that alive exists… because of the next generation and their particular views on the world.
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For they don’t believe quite as much in the value of material items and are eager to shed them if they don’t serve a sustainable purpose anymore. And of course, they are eager to change old traditions that they feel no longer serve the public in a beneficial manner, and well… that conflict continues to grow, and it does leave one to wonder… can we find common ground? Wherein the last generation isn’t so desperate to hang onto what once was and where the new generation can honor what came before them in a manner that doesn’t keep toxicity alive? Well, it just so happens that a beautiful short feature that screened at the Austin Film Festival answers those questions in A Better Place.

A feat this film accomplishes by introducing us to a young man named Henry. Who lives in the city and has made quite the life for himself working with a real estate development company, and when we meet him, here, he’s come home to his family’s farm for the weekend. In part to check in on his parents, but also… to provide them with quite the offer. For his firm wants the land and they are ready to pay to have that land. But alas, Tzu-Yi and Lisa, his father and mother, respectively, have little interest in selling. For they want their legacy in this place to stand, and they want what they built to be handed off and kept up in the noblest manner possible. Which brings forth, a tense weekend where two generations will ponder upon the power of progress, and the importance of nostalgia.

All of which brings forth, a magnificent feature that properly explores the divide in question. Since we do see Tzu-Yi and Lisa, fight hard to maintain what they earned, what they believe is their sole gift to their son to make sure they are forever honored. Whereas Henry makes it clear that time marches on and that this is a chance to give them real comfort and real joy since the money will do so much and they can make new memories in a new home, and honor the past in comfort  Which brings forth a powerful bit of conflict where neither side wants to listen to the other, and that… is our source problem. In that, two generations want their way and aren’t willing to compromise or speak to one another on the matter.

Of course, this film does take the time to build upon that and showcase that despite our differences, yes, we can find common ground. Provided that we first take that all-important time to listen to one another’s concerns about what’s happening in life and what we want out of it… and find compromise. Such as say, learning how to honor what is actually important and meaningful for the last generation. So, they feel their efforts are not in vain and that a legacy exists for them. As for the next generation, it’s all about being open to change and hearing new perspectives and coming to understand there are other paths forward than the old ways, and when both sides can have that, a better place can be found.

If anything, all of these elements bring forth, a powerful and beautiful feature. One that is so incredibly timely. For this is the divide we face in 2024, and this is a divide that is seemingly endless. But this does give us a way forward, one that we should enact in our lives as soon as possible. Because our own parents have an idea of what they want to leave behind, and we all have a path we want to forge ahead, and that message comes courtesy of a film that truly examines this in an organic and realistic manner. One complete with compelling performances and nuanced moments that speak to how there is common ground to be found, if we take a moment to listen to one another for a change, and really hear what the other side has to say.

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