Next (2007), directed by Lee Tamahori, is a science fiction thriller based loosely on Philip K. Dick's short story The Golden Man. It stars Nicolas Cage as Cris Johnson, a small-time Las Vegas magician with a unique ability—he can see two minutes into his own future. As the story unfolds, this ability draws the attention of both FBI agents and terrorists, all of whom want to use his powers for their own purposes.
Central to the film’s emotional arc is the character Liz Cooper, portrayed by Jessica Biel. Liz is a schoolteacher whom Cris has seen repeatedly in his visions, far beyond his usual two-minute limit. This makes her unique—not only is she tied to a future he can’t normally see, but she also becomes a pivotal figure in altering his destiny.
From a gender perspective, Liz plays an interesting, if understated, role. She is not a typical damsel in distress, but rather someone with grounding emotional stability who provides a sense of peace and purpose to Cris. Her character doesn’t carry weapons or deliver one-liners; instead, her strength is in her empathy and moral clarity. While she doesn’t have the same level of agency as the male lead, her presence is essential to the narrative—she becomes the emotional anchor that pushes Cris to act beyond his self-interest.
Jessica Biel’s portrayal of Liz emphasizes a natural, understated beauty. She is portrayed as wholesome and approachable, in contrast to the high-stakes tension around her. Her styling in the film—casual clothing, minimal makeup, and soft expressions—supports this image. Liz's beauty is not exaggerated or glamorous, but rather presented as sincere and grounded, enhancing her credibility as a caring and trustworthy figure. This authenticity makes her all the more compelling in the eyes of both the protagonist and the audience.
Though Next is filled with action, twists, and sci-fi elements, it’s the quiet bond between Cris and Liz that brings depth to the story. Liz may not wield power in a traditional action-film sense, but her presence and inner strength give the film its emotional core.
