Rhi Axtell – Writer

I was lucky enough to see Celine Song’s Past Lives twice this year – once when it came out in Cardiff in October, and again just before the close of 2023 in France when it came out there too. Each viewing gave me something different, something more to glean from this masterclass in film-making and both times left me an emotional tangle of heartache and happiness.

It might be arrogant to compare my interactions in this film to the interactions between the two main characters – Nora Moon and Hae Sung. Each time the character’s meet, there is something familiar there between them, but also so much change and growth. They both want something, but what is it?

Greta Lee and Teo Yoo are the perfect duo to tell this story. Their use of silence – long stares, minute movements and facial expressions – tell us so much and also allow the viewer to draw their own conclusions. Are their character’s in love? What do they mean to each other? What is their relationship?

Past Lives is small and quiet, but at the same time, massive in its reach. Every beautiful shot is steeped in meaning. Every slight movement can be dissected. Every choice the characters make tells us a little bit more.

This film is a joy to watch and I know I will do so again and again – gaining more from each viewing.