‘Past Lives’ is a romantic drama about Nora and Hae Sung. Childhood friends and classmates, the two part ways after Nora’s parents decide to emigrate from Korea. The film follows the two through time, 12 years after their initial separation, and a further 12 years thereafter. Following the two as they grow and develop separately, the film closes in on their connection as they meet again as adults some 20 years after they first parted ways.
The film follows a somewhat systematic and tested approach, dipping in and focusing on its subjects after a set number of years, returning to revisit in a cyclical manner. What distinguishes this film from a formulaic affair is its heavy focus on Nora (Greta Lee) and her relationship with Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) and subsequently also Arthur (John Magaro).
The soul of the film lies with Nora’s trials and tribulations, as we follow her journey of becoming a playwright in New York. Through time, we revisit the woman as her path crosses over with Hae Sung. With the two initially classmates, then reconnecting virtually as they pursue higher education and finally as they meet again in NYC as adults.
With a slight touch of longing and a subtle hint of urgency, Nora’s emotional profile is uncovered on screen. Intrigued and titillated by the possibility of reconnecting with Hae Sung initially excites her. As the two spend more time communicating online, Nora reassesses her priorities however, opting to abandon Hae Sung in favour of developing her career.
Presented with the opportunity to finally meet him again years later, a now married Nora does not hesitate to accept the invitation. Amicable, the two exude nervous energy on reconnecting after all the years, with Lee and Yoo delivering an impeccable image of nervous excitement, joy and uncertainty.
The film climaxes in its final moments as Nora and Hae Sung await his departure. Culminating in what is anticipated to be an explosion of Nora’s feelings towards Hae Sung, the two do not cross that line and do not express their feelings for one another. Breaking down in her husbands arms, the display of overwhelming sentiment for what Nora had almost done, mixed with a sense of lost opportunity and exasperation in navigating the situation, ‘Past Lives’ delivers a plethora of complicated and overwhelming emotions, displaying with ease the mix and multitude of feelings once can experience.
Lingering on the possible courses of action Nora has before her, ‘Past Lives’ delivers a most welcome subversion, - undermining any aforementioned suggestions of adultery and executing an almost soul crushing decision made by the woman, to deny her impulses and remain forlorn of a path unexplored.
Powerful and penetrative, Celine Song’s directorial debut delivers an insightful look at how complicated relationships can get, focusing on the complex web of interwoven emotions and shifting aims one can have, not faltering in producing a true examination of what can make up an emotional connection and loss.
Score: 4/4
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