Summertime is the season for big budget Studio Blockbuster. What started long ago with Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas, has evolved to the film industry now packing the summer with a variety of so-called tentpole films. These high-octane action-filled films with big name stars dominate the box office and are the escapism audiences seek. This year, there seem to be more films than ever, with something new opening every other weekend. Kicking off with “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” on May 5, 2023, we’ve had a new animated Spiderman, an almost finale to the “Fast & Furious” franchise, plus a new (and fantastic and FINAL) “Indiana Jones”. This weekend, another big splashy opening with “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One”, July 10, 2023.
A24’s film, “Past Lives”, on the other hand, is a quiet treat; a panacea to the loud franchises fighting for your attention. A romantic film that tracks a relationship across continents and many years, it breaks away from the Summer Movie contrivances. No recognizable stars or action sequences. This independent film written and directed by Celine Song, is a brilliant first feature. Building strong word of mouth reviews and praised by critics, “Past Lives” is a refreshing new story amidst the bombardment of summer blockbusters.
The drama follows two childhood friends, Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo). Nora’s mother wants her to have some good memories of Korea before they immigrate to Canada, so she encourages their infatuation. The children lose touch but rediscover each other as young adults. Reconnecting through the wonders of Skype, Nora realizes she must break it off if she’s to focus on her future in her new country. Her past has caught her in its grip, but she needs to leap forward with a clean slate.
We watch as their lives unfold in very different directions. Nora has ambitions to be a writer and Hae Sung is continuing with his education. The focus shifts between their worlds but is mainly focused on Nora’s new life in New York. The cinematography by Shabier Kirchner is wonderful. Kirchner uses the camera to call attention to action through the window, across a room, or along the ground, as if placing the audience as an observer within the scene. Rather than a shot of the rain, there’s a reflection of feet in the puddles.
More is said about the relationship between the characters through their placement within the frame, than in dialogue. Watching the way each of the main characters leans toward each other or walks with a joyful step or holding on a lingering glance that seems to ache with hope or anticipation, the focus allows the audience to see how being reunited is affecting them. How will their past together; their bond across the years, change their future?
What follows is something more poignant and realistic than a typical Hollywood romance. There are no villains or plot devices that only exist to entangle romance. It’s a relationship drama with discussions between characters that feel less scripted, and more like the audience is eavesdropping on their lives.
The film opens with an observer watching three attractive people in a bar. They comment that it’s difficult to discern the relationship between the characters. In fact, once that scene plays out in “Past Lives”, the audience can understand that observation. It’s clear that there’s more going on than meets the eye. The characters are all trying to hold space for each other’s expectations while being true to themselves. This refreshing perspective, and the intelligent writing and filmmaking, are a relief from simplistic plots and bombastic soundtracks. Thank you, Celine Song, for your lovely film, “Past Lives”.
“Past Lives” – 4 Korean beers (out of 5)
Drinks with films 