“What if?” Is the hardest question one can ask themselves. Especially when that question is in tandem with the one you love.

Past Lives is a film all about what if’s. About fate, soulmates, regret, and how time can be our greatest enemy but also our biggest ally.

Past Lives explores the lives of two childhood best friends who are separated in their youth as Nora and her family moves away from Korea. Also leaving her best friend Hae Sung in the process.

Separated by distance and time…this sets the plot for the film as these once close friends begin to seek out each other.

This film is very soft and subtle with its storytelling. So much so that it left me with this feeling of emptiness. The approach to the way the film is paced splits these 24 years passed in interesting and specific increments that let us see these characters in pivotal moments that drastically effect their relation to one another by the films end.

Thematically, I loved what the film had to say about time and connection.

I feel like something was missing and I can’t put my finger on it, a rewatch is warranted. Worth the watch, I look forward to growing with this one.