I was not able to view Forge in person at its CAAMFest 2026 screening, but so I watched the screener provided to me. I found the plot intriguing, plus Kelly Marie Tran stars in this independent film:
“Siblings Raymond and Coco Zhang run a forgery ring. Coerced by a disgraced millionaire, they create counterfeit masterpieces for his family’s collection. FBI agent Emily Lee investigates a new string of art forgeries.”
The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest Film & TV Festival this past March and received positive reviews. The film company Utopia acquired distribution rights and set a release date for the film of May 15, 2026.
Film Review (and some spoilers)
Overall, I enjoyed the film. Forge is director Jing Ai Ng’s feature debut. For a first time full length feature film, it is very good – from the acting, editing, cinematography, etc. I thought actress Andie Ju portrayal of Coco Zhang was the highlight of the film. Brandon Soo Hoo portrayed immature troublemaker and the Duke-expelled (for making fake IDs) older brother Raymond convincingly. I was most interested in Kelly Marie Tran, as I mostly know her from Star Wars and her comedic role in the remake/re-imagining of ‘The Wedding Banquet.’ Tran’s portrayal as FBI agent Emily Lee, who covers art crimes, was more subdued but still enjoyable.
The Ivy League spoiled generationally wealthy sketchy entrepreneur Holden Beaumont (most likely inspired by the guy who organized the Fyre Festival debacle) and his equally entitled girlfriend/fiancee Eva were a bit stereotypical but served their roles to further move the plot. The film takes place in Miami (a city that I have yet to visit!). Miami became known as a contemporary art capital ever since the debut of Art Basel Miami Beach fair in 2002. It was interesting to learn about Miami art scene.
Being transferred from the NYC FBI office, Lee provides some context to her colleagues (as well as the audience) in Miami about art forgeries. Soon, we find Lee conveniently (through a recommendation) at the best Chinese restaurant in Miami where Coco and Raymond’s mother and extended family help run. Personally, I find that fact a bit too convenient from a plot perspectives, but in a later scene, we see how that Chinese/Asian connection is used and exploited by Coco. I’ve heard that Miami doesn’t really have a lot of Asians (less than 1.8% of the population), so I imagine the Chinese/Asian American community is quite small and tight knit.
After we see Coco and Raymond sell their first forgery, we soon see Raymond getting connected to Holden and his need to sell his own private collection which he inherited and essentially threw away and is in need of money. The rest of the film is setup to be unfolded by Agent Lee.
I found the whole art market very interesting, especially how one might sell a forgery. Personally, even if I were wealthy, I’m not sure I’d spend the kind of money some of these artists’ paintings sell for, given how easily (at least on the surface), a forgery could get passed along as legitimate. Additionally, like fashion, certain artists or paintings might have a period of popularity and be “hot,” then fade away in interest.
With its overall strong performances, an interesting premise, and a solid production, I would recommend seeing Forge, especially if you want to see a work from an up and coming Asian American director and actors.
Where to See Forge
Forge will open with week-long theatrical runs in Los Angeles beginning May 15 at the Landmark Nuart Theatre, followed by New York beginning May 22 at Quad Cinema. Additional select markets will roll out nationwide in the weeks ahead.
