‘Next Life’: Drake Doremus’s Parallel-Universe Romance at Tribeca

“Next Life” follows Ivy (Emilia Clarke), a Londoner whose life splits when she boards a train. A coffee spill introduces jazz musician Diego (Edgar Ramírez), leading to romance and a family. In the alternate timeline she reunites with ex-boyfriend and boss Noah (Jack Farthing), pursuing a stable career and IVF. The film alternates between these parallel realities, using the train incident as the branching point.

Deadline Hollywood

After the 2011 breakout “Like Crazy,” Doremus made “Equals,” “Zoe,” and “Endings, Beginnings.” The pandemic spurred a personal shift, leading to his first film in seven years. “Next Life” returns to a “what-if” premise like “Sliding Doors,” set against London’s jazz scene and Ivy’s artistic crossroads.

Deadline Hollywood

Director-writer Drake Doremus writes and directs. Emilia Clarke stars as Ivy, praised for a “winning” performance. Edgar Ramírez plays Diego, a rugged jazz musician with a strong singing voice. Jack Farthing appears as Noah, the corporate ex-boyfriend. Production design is by Elizabeth Mary Moore; cinematography by Marianne Bakke.

The Wrap

Running time 1 h 52 m. Cast: Clarke, Ramírez, Farthing. Producers: Doremus, Elika Portnoy, Gleb Fetisov, Ben Pugh, Kate Buckley, Emilia Clarke. Sales: CAA (U.S.) and Rocket Science (International). Tribeca screenings: June 6 (5:15 pm) and June 9 (2:15 pm) at Village East.

Deadline Hollywood

Reviewers praise the jazz-rich score, Clarke’s charm, and the “buoyancy” of musical scenes. Critics argue the narrative feels overly curated, missing mundane moments, and that the two apartments appear generic. The central choice seems clearly weighted toward Diego. Some view the film as a fresh take on “Sliding Doors,” others deem it derivative.

Hollywood Reporter

The film juxtaposes artistic passion (“because it’s inevitable”) with conventional stability, urging viewers to consider where fulfillment lies. By showing two viable lives, it highlights how small moments can redirect career, love, and identity.

Hollywood Reporter

Promotional material lists Drake Doremus, Elika Portnoy, Gleb Fetisov, Ben Pugh, Kate Buckley and Emilia Clarke as producers; CAA handles U.S. sales and Rocket Science international rights. Tribeca’s program notes describe the film as a “high-concept romance” exploring parallel possibilities.

Deadline Hollywood

TheWrap argues Doremus “stacked the deck” toward one outcome; Moveable Fest highlights the film’s “much-needed buoyancy” from music. No audience metrics or box-office data are available, leaving commercial impact unclear.

Drake Doremus' "Next Life"

• “I’m unemployed as well as single. A catch!” — Emilia Clarke, as Ivy

Hollywood Reporter

• “because it’s inevitable” — Diego (Edgar Ramírez)

Hollywood Reporter

• “The biggest issue, really, is that it’s clear from the first which reality he wants Ivy (“Game of Thrones”‘ Emilia Clarke) to choose.” — TheWrap reviewer

The Wrap

After Tribeca, “Next Life” will pursue additional festival screenings and distribution via its U.S. and international sales agents.

Drake Doremus' "Next Life"