In Forge, writer-director Jing Ai Ng delivers a dynamic debut that explores themes of identity, deception, and cultural belonging, all wrapped in a thrilling heist narrative. The film follows siblings Raymond (Brandon Soo Hoo) and Coco Zhang (Andie Ju), second-generation Chinese Americans who specialize in forging high-end artwork. While Ng refrains from revealing the exact scientific recipe behind the lacquer used to replicate these masterpieces, the core of the story lies not in the technicalities but in the siblings’ confidence and ability to convince art experts of their fakes’ legitimacy.
At its heart, Forge asks a deeper question about what is real, offering a compelling exploration of identity in a society where the Zhangs feel like outsiders, despite their undeniable talent. As they navigate the world of art forgery, the true intrigue emerges not from the danger of being caught, but from the psychological tension between their efforts to belong and their constant fear of being discovered as impostors.
Although the term “imposter syndrome” is never explicitly mentioned, it permeates the film as both Raymond and Coco struggle to prove their worth. They are undeniably talented—Raymond’s entrepreneurial spirit has driven him from a fake ID business to art forgery, while Coco, a former art student, knows every brushstroke of the paintings she replicates. Yet, the siblings feel like outsiders in a world that seems to demand more than they can offer.
The film opens with Raymond and Coco in a desperate situation, meeting with a low-rent art dealer (T.R. Knight) in a seedy motel room for their first sale. Despite the questionable quality of their knockoff art, Coco’s convincing performance as the heir to a rare painting adds a layer of authenticity that sells the forgery. This small triumph boosts her confidence, motivating her to seek bigger opportunities. Her plan leads her to a wealthy family whose art collection has been ruined by a hurricane, creating an opportunity for the siblings to sell them duplicates of their originals.
The relationship between the Zhangs and Holden (Edmund Donovan), the trust-fund grandson now overseeing the family’s collection, becomes increasingly complicated. Initially, it seems Raymond must convince Holden of the value of their paintings, but Holden flips the script, proposing a deal himself. His family’s financial struggles have forced him to consider replicating lost artwork to save face.
While the film delivers plenty of tension, it’s not without its moments of awkwardness. Some of the dialogue, particularly when introducing FBI Agent Lee (Kelly Marie Tran), feels heavy-handed, especially as she tries to track down the source of the art forgeries flooding Florida. One scene in which Agent Lee, the only Asian officer in the department, is asked if she knows any good Chinese restaurants in the area could raise an eyebrow for some viewers. However, the film cleverly uses this moment to comment on the subtle power dynamics at play, making it a pointed critique of stereotypes.
The tension between Holden and the Zhangs escalates as their business deal unravels, mirroring the broader struggles of immigrants trying to make a name for themselves in a society that often feels indifferent to their efforts. Ng skillfully highlights the disproportionate stakes for the Zhangs, who, unlike Holden, started from a position of disadvantage. Their success requires more than just talent—it demands a constant balancing act of self-doubt and perseverance.
While Forge occasionally feels like it’s aiming higher than its budget can handle, Ng and her team bring an infectious energy to the story. The film’s caper-like structure channels the excitement of Ocean’s 11, even if it lacks the same resources. Andie Ju’s performance as Coco stands out as a star-making turn, her cool, calculated demeanor making her a magnetic presence on screen. Coco’s moral ambiguity and remarkable poise make her an ideal candidate for a high-stakes poker game, yet beneath her calm exterior lies a deep yearning to find her place in a world where authenticity and self-worth are always in question.
At its core, Forge is a tragic tale of self-discovery, as Coco grapples with the realization that the art of deception may hold more value for her than any authentic creation she could ever make. The film leaves viewers with a lingering sense that, despite the perfect lacquer that conceals their forgeries, there is always more beneath the surface than meets the eye.
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