What connects us to others? What binds us to one another? Is it destiny where 8,000 layers of connection bind us to one another?
The film, Past Lives is written and directed by Celine Song. This is her first directorial job, and what a masterful and sophisticated work it is! Past Lives is a meditative exploration of intertwined lives that live in two lonely cities. It is a story where nostalgia and memories clash with present realities. The film beautifully captures New York and Seoul in muted colors and serves as a backdrop to two childhood friends who got separated, reconnected, and now must learn to navigate the longing, regret, and love of their present lives.
Greta Lee as Na Young/ Nora (her names underscore the separation from the past and the present) and Teo Yoo as Hae Song embody the characters with the perfect subtlety. Both are so adept in capturing the restraint of the tides and depths of emotion seething just below the surface. While the dialogue is beautiful and heart-rending what is captivating are the unspoken things. What speaks loudest are the glances and the subtle movements that are as eloquent and as painful as the dialogues. And when the words "I missed you," were spoken it conveyed the cosmic yearning for connection that one is moved to tears.
As the film unfolds, one is made aware of the reality of heartbreak, but also the triumph of existence. We are reminded that life, while seemingly random and ordinary, is filled with strange connections and understated beauty. It is sad but at the same time filled with worldless joy. We find that in loss, we attain new things. In separation, we find something new. It is filled with missed connections, but it is also glorious. We straddle this dualistic life of sadness and joy, of separation but also of connection, of despair and hope.
This film is a gift! Watch it!
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