Summer 2023 is loaded with big budget films with big names associated with them like M17, Oppenheimer, and Barbie. While we’ll surely love these films, this season also has something special for the indie/art cinema enthusiasts. We’re talking about Celine Song’s Past Lives which thanks to A24, has been able to make its mark in on the international platforms. Thankfully, the film has been released theatrically in India as well, giving us a chance to experience it on theatres. So, if you’re confused about whether you should watch it on theatres, here’s why you should!
Past Lives Is Either Silent or Speaks Volumes
Rating – ★★★★★
Let me start by saying that Past Lives is the movie of the year for me and will probably remain so. Sweet, somber and subtle, it conveys more meaning and emotion in 100 minutes than even the most extravagant and elongated dramas fail to. Highly relatable for most, it is articulately written, terrifically performed, and beautifully directed. The film utilizes silence with utmost mastery and when the characters do speak, they touch your hearts and invoke a thousands thoughts.
The film depicts the intricacies of modern relationships and not just between Nora and her first love Hae Sung, but also Nora and her Arthur. It also dives deeply into the concept of destiny which some of you might believe in while some of you might ignore. The film, however, focuses a lot on that as it offers our main characters some hope as well as closure. It also touches upon the subjects of multiculturalism, ambition, unfulfilled love, and missing one’s roots.
While Greta Lee (Nora) and Teo Yoo (Hae Sung) have delivered terrific performances, John Magaro (Arthur) completely steals the show with his minute expressions, brilliant dialogue delivery, and a beautifully written supporting role. He is portrayed as a highly understanding character who loves and respects Nora but at the same time is vocal with his insecurities and acknowledges their differences. Of course, Lee and Yoo also played their characters with a lot of heart and passion leading to a few genuinely tear-jerking moments.
As mentioned above, the film isn’t overstuffed with dialogues but there are certain dialogues which will stay with you forever. One such dialogues is Nora saying, “we are like 2 plants in the same pot with different roots” while referring to Arthur. This one dialogue ends up being enough to explain the dynamics of their relationship, which was certainly not bad. In fact, the only and all issues they ever face root from belonging to different cultures. Moving to the technical standpoint, the sound design is exceptional, the color palette perfectly reflects the mood, and he symbolism with various shots is masterful. The only minor grievance is that the cinematography is a bit inconsistent, and while the film is filled with some mesmerizing shots, I personally expected a lot more.
Final Verdict – A24 has done it again as Past Lives is a must watch for rom-drama lovers. With loads of applause to John Magaro who was the highlight of the film, I hope to remember this film for the rest of my present as well as future lives!
If you have any questions regarding Past Lives, feel free to ask in the comments below. For more content, stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe and share our articles as we are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
I saw the film and agree that it was beautifully done. You could not help but feel the characters emotions as the story progressed. I have to agree that John Magaro was the highlight of the film. His portrayal of Arthur was spot on. You couldn’t help but appreciate his support for Nora. Where most of today’s films would show jealousy and rage in this type of situation, Arthur showed love for whatever Nora decided. Magaro hit a home run in this role.
Definitely! Thanks for your sharing your thoughts with us.