Past Lives

Past Lives (2023)

One sunny day back in July, sitting in the cinema waiting for Barbie to start, I saw a trailer that had me turn to my mate and say “the only thing that could ruin that trailer is the film”. That is how much Past Lives instantly appealed to me. How perfect it looked. Now then, I realise that trailers are made from a marketing team completely unrelated to the creative genius of the filmmaker but still… good job marketing team! Thankfully the full article lived up to my expectations.

Young sweethearts Nora and Hae Sung have their childhood cut short when Nora’s parents migrate their family from Korea to America. A chance reunion, thanks to Facebook, allows their relationship to blossom from afar until demands from real life force another breakup. Years later Hae Sung visits Nora in New York in one last attempt to see what could have been. I must admit all the FaceTime/laptop communication actually made me nostalgic for lockdown. But then, that’s no surprise as it is a film steeped in the seduction of nostalgia.

The two leads, Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, give delicately compelling performances, as does John Maharo as Nora’s husband. Imagine the awkwardness for that guy!

With stunning cinematography of Seoul and New York by Shabier Kirchner, the graceful (slow at times) storytelling is like pleasantly drowning. Written and directed by Celine Song Past Lives is a serene mourning of childhood and a reflection on how reality doesn’t always match expectations.

8 Understated Thumbs Up 👍🏻