From Joe Peltzer

Piercingly poignant and expertly acted, Past Lives is the equivalent of a slowly expanding cinematic water balloon that fills with an emotional exploration of “what could have been” before bursting at the very onset of the credits.

Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Too) shared a deep connection back in South Korea before Nora and her family left for the United States. Decades later, the two of them reconnect in New York over the course of a week, their previous feelings boiling back to the surface and their life choices coming into question. Writer/director Celine Song’s feature debut is one that lives in the subtly of the conversations and the focused camerawork that adds dimensions to the simple premise, quickly entrapping viewers into characters’ emotional battlefield. Nora, since married to the understanding, yet cautious Arthur (John Magaro), wears the torment of her past decisions on her face as she reflects on what could have been with Hae Sung while also appreciating what her life has become. Hae Sung is likewise in a visibly vulnerable state, a long festering love for Nora clearly present. Though the principal cast is small, their performances are sumptuous and moving from beginning to end.

Song’s script is one that tests your allegiance from scene to scene, the empathic pendulum swinging from character to character. Past Lives is primarily a conversational film that feels as though we as viewers are sitting at the table or bar where these two characters are baring all, sometimes explicitly stating it but often implying. For me, the film is reminiscent of one o my favorites, Prime, where Uma Thurman and Bryan Greenberg explored an unconventional relationship, with a fun supporting performance from Meryl Streep, in a dialogue-heavy presentation. Like that film, Past Lives amounts to one of those exercises in patience where the film’s final scenes bring it all to a questionable, though satisfactory conclusion that will sit with you for hours, even days after.

Past Lives also benefits from a flawless technical execution that makes it hard to believe this is Song’s first outing. From the understated score that perfectly compliments the tone and direction of the film to the smooth editing of the heavy, dark palette-laden visuals, there is an unexpected sophistication that sets the film apart from others.

Once again, A24 simply doesn’t miss, the studio’s ability to identify quality in various genres unparalleled in today’s cinema landscape. Here they not only have a stellar romantic drama on their hands, but one of the finest films of the year.

Rating: 5/5

Past Lives is now playing in select theaters and available to rent or purchase via streaming services.

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