Past Lives (2023)

My friend Kurt and I have known each other since 7th grade English class, and to this day, I still hold it over him about how he “stole” and dated the girl I had a crush on (to be fair, their relationship  lasted about two weeks.) 

The same girl ( I won’t give her name away in case they are reading this, and if she is, I truly hope she is doing well) moved away before I could try to make my move, but we did stay in touch and even managed to go to my Senior Homecoming. We even went to the same college, but by then, despite our friendship, I realized she would almost always be out of my league.

I imagine I am not the only person who thought of their young love life when viewing Past Lives, the directorial debut by playwright Celine Strong (who also wrote the script). Based somewhat on her own experiences, the film centers around the relationship of Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) and Nora (Greta Lee). We meet their characters at the age of 12 as friends growing up in South Korea, who share at least one “date” at the park.

 Just as their friendship begins to almost blossom into something more, Nora (originally named “Na Young” as a child) is forced to move with her parents and sister to Canada. Only later on in life do these two manage to connect again via the internet.

What is discussed and what is happening in their adult lives is not for me to spoil, only to comment on. From the start of the film, you already get a sense how genuine the film is with the opening scene involving a “game” we have all played in some capacity.

 Consider an enthralling scene between two characters in bed in the middle of the night. The dialogue never has a sense that it is anything but authentic, making Strong’s screenplay seem even, well, stronger. 

This is in no small part due to the performers, especially Greta Lee and John Magaro (who I last saw in 2020’s quiet gem First Cow), who plays Nora’s husband. Both give Oscar worthy performances, and I truly hope voters remember them in the months to come.

Parents, a romantic drama is not one most kids (if any) would be begging their parents to take them to. While the PG-13 rating is mainly for some strong language (maybe one F bomb to my recollection), it would be nothing short of a shame to have your kids taking away your attention from the film: this is a grown ups night out type of movie that would have much quality discussion afterward.

Sometimes, great movies give you that great emotional kick to the diaphragm that stays with you long after the credits. Past Lives is one of those movies, but it feels like a surreal kick. The movie is a slow burn, and burns slowly into your psyche afterwards. The last act of this film is as riveting as any you will see, and reminded me a bit of another film couple, Rick and Ilsa.

This is easily the best film of the year so far.