Past Lives

Past Lives is a 2023 romantic drama film written and directed by Celine Song in her feature directorial debut.

Past Lives is a 2023 romantic drama film written and directed by Celine Song in her feature directorial debut. The film stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, and follows two childhood friends over 24 years as they reflect on love, memory, and the paths their lives have taken. It is semi-autobiographical and was inspired by events from Song's life.

Plot

The film centres on two childhood friends who are separated when Nora’s family leaves South Korea. They reconnect years later and again as adults, with the story examining how distance and time shape their relationship.

Production

Past Lives was written and directed by Celine Song as her first feature film. It is a bilingual production in Korean and English and was inspired by Song’s own experiences.

Cast and characters

Greta Lee plays Nora, Teo Yoo plays Hae Sung, and John Magaro plays Arthur. The cast is central to the film’s focus on emotional restraint and interpersonal tension.

Themes

The film addresses unrequited love, memory, migration, identity, and the idea of lives not lived. Critics also noted its interest in the emotional consequences of emigration and cultural separation.