Anya (2019 film)
A couple discovers genetic differences that prevent conception.
Anya (stylized as ANYA) is a 2019 science fiction film co-directed by Jacob Akira Okada and Carylanna Taylor. The cast includes Ali Ahn, Gil Perez-Abraham, and Motell Gyn Foster. The story centers on a couple facing infertility who learn that the man’s genetic makeup, linked to an immigrant community from the fictional island of Narval, is so distinct that he is effectively a different species.
The film explores genetics and anthropology; co-director Taylor has a background in anthropology, and Harvard researcher Ruth McCole served as scientific consultant. Scenes set in a genetics lab were filmed in the actual lab of Dr. Andreas Pfenning at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
In the plot, Libby desperately wants a child but has experienced multiple miscarriages. Her partner Marco suspects the problem is an ancient curse on his island’s people. He agrees to visit a geneticist with Libby, where they learn that Marco’s genetic differences make him a separate species. Each could conceive with a partner of their own kind, but together, pregnancy is nearly impossible.
The cast includes Ali Ahn as Libby, Gil Perez-Abraham as Marco, Izzabella Timonera as Anya, Motell Gyn Foster as Dr. Seymour Livingston, Anthony Aguilar as Aquiles, Mary Theresa Archbold as Terry, Diego A. Arellano as Hector, Ana Maria Jomolca as Sara, Ana Kayne as Fausta, Olivia Oguma as Rika Endo, and Barbara Rosenblat as Dr. Rosalind Pfenning.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a 93% approval rating from 14 reviews, with an average score of 6.6/10. *Film Inquiry* called it “ambitious” and praised the lead actors’ chemistry. *Film Frenzy* found it “intriguing” and commended the performances, but deemed the score “unnecessary and overbearing.” *Film Threat* described *Anya* as “a good conversation starter at parties” regarding genetics and humanity, though it found the story occasionally frustrating.
- Release year
- 2019
- Directors
- Jacob Akira Okada, Carylanna Taylor
- Genre
- Science fiction
- Scientific consultant
- Ruth McCole
- Lead actors
- Ali Ahn, Gil Perez-Abraham, Motell Gyn Foster
- Rotten Tomatoes approval rating
- 93% (based on 14 reviews)
Lore & Background
The film revolves around the topics of genetics and anthropology. Director Carylanna Taylor has a background as an anthropologist, and Harvard researcher Ruth McCole served as scientific consultant. The genetic lab scenes were shot in the real Dr. Andreas Pfenning’s genetics lab at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
In the synopsis, Libby desperately wants a child but has had trouble conceiving and suffered multiple miscarriages. Her partner Marco believes the issues stem from an ancient curse placed on all people from his island. They visit a geneticist and are shocked to discover that Marco's genetics differ to the point where he can be considered a different species. Each would be able to have a baby with their own kind, but together conceiving would be practically impossible.
The cast includes Ali Ahn as Libby, Gil Perez-Abraham as Marco, Izzabella Timonera as Anya, Motell Gyn Foster as Dr. Seymour Livingston, and others.
Reader's Guide
Anya (2019) is a science fiction film that explores themes of genetics, anthropology, and infertility through the story of a couple who discover that the male partner's genetic makeup is so distinct that he is effectively a different species. The film's critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes shows a 93% approval rating from 14 reviews, with an average rating of 6.6/10. Film Inquiry called it 'ambitious' and praised the chemistry between the main characters. Film Frenzy found the film 'intriguing' and noted the performances, but found the score 'unnecessary and overbearing'. Film Threat said Anya is 'a good conversation starter at parties' regarding its ideas about genetics and humanity, but found the story frustrating at times. The film's significance lies in its use of real scientific consultation—from Harvard researcher Ruth McCole and filming in an actual genetics lab at Carnegie Mellon—to ground its speculative premise. It contributes to discussions about what defines humanity and the boundaries of species, while also addressing personal struggles with infertility and cultural beliefs about curses.
Did You Know?
- The film's genetic lab scenes were shot in Dr. Andreas Pfenning’s real genetics lab at Carnegie Mellon University.
- Director Carylanna Taylor has a background as an anthropologist.
- Harvard researcher Ruth McCole served as the scientific consultant for the film.
- The film holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 14 reviews.
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