Parity Pipeline

Genre

Synopsis

Aspiring Taiwanese artist Mia marries fellow artist Joe at Brooklyn's Court House. Though hastened by Mia's visa issues, they're genuinely in love and committed to building a creative life together. While Mia works in art administration and develops hyper-realistic arts, Joe finds modest success in New York's art world. Meanwhile, Mia's aunt Lilian also immigrates to the U.S., marrying Richard and settling in rural town upstate New York.

When the two couples meet, tensions flare. Richard's crude jokes and sexual boasting offend Mia and Joe. Mia feels embarrassed by her aunt's limited English. Joe dismisses Richard as a "redneck," while Mia fears her aunt is a mail-order bride.

Mia embraces New York’s artistic freedom and becomes a hip Brooklynite. However, her career stalls as her projects are repeatedly rejected, while Joe is busy with his exhibitions and book publications. Mia gradually becomes his cheerleader and assistant. Losing sight of her artistic purpose, she grows increasingly depressed and disconnected from her identity. Unable to understand her struggles, Joe grows distant and they separate. 

Returning to Taiwan to reconnect with her roots, Mia discovers she's now perceived as American. The alienation intensifies as she witnesses troubling changes due to escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. On the flight back to New York, Mia dreams of her increasingly blurred identity in the form of a hyper-realistic animation.

Mia and Joe file for divorce at the same Brooklyn courthouse where they married—a surreal, emotional process that forces Mia to confront her new identity. She turns to her art for healing.

Alone at Christmas, Mia visits her only family in America—Lilian and Richard. The rural winter landscape offers a new perspective. During a difficult hike, she witnesses Richard's surprising dependability. Later, over a drunken karaoke, the women share their marital experiences. Lilian reveals the discrimination she endured from Richard's family and the townies and how Richard's protection and her perseverance ultimately prevailed. Their bond sustains despite their differences. Lillian’s English remains broken, but Mia sees her strength. 

On the departing bus, Mia waves goodbye to Lilian and Richard—her heart full of newfound courage.

Months later, Mia debuts her first solo exhibition exploring immigrant experience through hyper-realistic art, including a piece inspired by Lilian, entitled "AMERICAN WIFE.”