Past Lives starts out unassuming, building its story and characters bit by bit without a lot of fanfare or frills. But by it's third act it reaches a crescendo which wrecks you and delivers an emotional punch that will leave you stunned. It is one of the most mature love stories to be filmed recently, tackling the idea of relationships, love, and connection with nuance and complexity unlike most "romantic" movies. In doing so it hits harder than one is used to with very little to no drama or flamboyance. Writer/director Song has crafted something purely lovely and heart-wrenching.
Past Lives is neither tragedy or comedy. It asks us to sit with people in their real lived in lives and it allows them to have emotions, to wear them close to their vests, but to experience them none the less. It allows them to hold multiple feelings at once and to live with that tension. We are asked to engage with this story of three people over time and by the end we are rewarded with one of the most vivid and satisfying filmed portrayals of love of the year.
I don't want to say too much about the story. Song employs a very minimalist approach constructively, in the dialogue, the direction of performances, and in the scene structure. She rarely does anything flashy and never has her actors have "Oscar moments". Instead she draws real power from quieter moments, reflections, and a deep maturity. Her audience must meet her there and if they do they are greatly rewarded.
Past Lives gives you so much to feel and think about. It finds that space in our emotions that is both sad and happy at the same time and lives in the spaces between.
Past Lives
Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro
Writer/Director: Celine Song
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