Celine Song’s first feature film Past Lives made audiences cry internally and externally in its depiction of two childhood sweethearts, with many profound themes intertwined. We are first introduced to the film's two protagonists as children, which foreshadows the constant theme of communication throughout. The power of silence is first used during the revelation that Nora (Greta Lee) is leaving for Canada.
Teo Yoo's portrayal of the stoic Hae Sung is perfect as he shows physical upset but cannot communicate his emotions to Nora. The film jumps forward 12 years later, with Nora residing in New York. Nora recalls Hae Sung upon learning that he has been trying to search for her on social media, leading to a scene showing the effort that Nora takes to translate her laptop keyboard into Korean by physically writing it down.
By reconnecting with her childhood friend, she is also able to reconnect with her inner child as she interacts with the Korean culture she so sorely misses. Thus starts an ambiguous relationship between the two as they reminisce about their past and share aspirations for the future. The difficulties of communication are shown again during Nora and Hae Sung's series of video calls, where Nora is unable to truly show her feelings for Hae Sung by making up excuses for him to visit her.
She is holding back from expressing the feeling of wanting to see him in person. You continue to see this misconnection due to long distances, poor Internet connection and differing time zones. During these scenes, the lighting is extremely dark throughout, displaying how closed off the protagonists are from each other.
Another 12 years later, the audience is given a glimpse into Nora's married life with American writer Arthur. Arthur's willingness to learn Korean displays the effort he has taken to communicate with Nora in contrast to her more stilted communication with Hae Young. A long-awaited reunion between Nora and Hae-Young shows the pair's growth over the 24 years they have spent apart.
It is the first time the audience sees clearer communication between the two as adults. Tension builds gradually until the fi nal scene, with excellent use of body language; Nora's clenched fists imply her readiness to fi nally open up to Tae Young about her true feelings. Throughout the film, a philosophical question is asked of how the characters will interact with each other in their next lives, playing into the common Korean superstition of inyeon.
The ending, which focuses further on this concept, provides a sense of closure that allows its protagonists to say goodbye to their pasts and subsequently their inner children.