Yu-Li Alice Shen gives a brilliant performance in Julie Chan Is Dead (9.5 hours), Liann Zhang’s piercing exploration of the masks we wear on social media. Twins Julie and Chloe are separated after their parents are killed in a car accident. Julie is raised in emotional and financial neglect by her aunt, while Chloe is adopted into privilege and becomes a celebrity influencer. When the opportunity to switch roles with her sister falls into Julie’s lap, she grabs it.
Shen masterfully captures Julie’s angst and internal conflicts as she struggles to take on her sister’s life. There are mysteries and sinister secrets behind Chloe’s image of perfection. The myriad voices that Shen provides for Chloe’s elite entourage and her diverse group of followers is dynamic and impressive, and Shen’s narration heightens the suspense of this stellar story. Fans of titles like R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface and Ling Ling Huang’s Immaculate Conception will be especially intrigued by this timely commentary on sisterhood and our digital world.
Read our review of the print version of Julie Chan Is Dead.
