Published Feb. 10, 2024, 7:00 p.m. ET
Need a movie to watch tonight? We got you covered. Grab a box of tissues and turn on the 2023 romantic drama Past Lives, directed by Celine Song and starring Greta Lee, Teo Woo, and John Magaro.
The movie explores the concept of inyeon, which is derived from the Buddhist belief of fated paths guiding people towards one another.
Lee plays Nora, a woman who reconnects with her childhood best friend Hae Sung (Woo) in adulthood. The two chat virtually and rekindle their chemistry before Hae visits Nora in New York City.
At this point in Nora’s life, she is married and settled into a domestic life. How will Hae’s arrival change things?
Past Lives is a tender and emotional exploration of modern love, the idea of “soulmates,” and longing. The story is mature and Song, who also wrote the script, leaves it free of judgement.
While the movie’s ending may leave people divided, it is beautiful and forgiving of all characters as it makes space for a fulfilling cathartic release.
Wondering why we are recommending Past Lives tonight? Out of all nights? Get the movie queued up and we’ll tell you.
Why Watch Past Lives Tonight?
Hello?! Past Lives is a great movie for sad people to watch in the days leading to Valentine’s Day. The drama not overly anti-Valentine’s Day, although it does offer a complex read on love and romance, and it isn’t extremely lovey-dovey. Instead, the movie is grounded in its realness and will leave viewers feeling seen.
Past Lives is also an Academy contender for the 2024 ceremony on March 10, 2024, which means it’ll be a topic of conversation for the next month.
Turn on the weepy flick and grab your favorite snacks to cozy up with this ideal solo watch. But make sure you remove the Facebook app from your phone first, so you don’t feel inspired to reach out to a past lover of your own.
Synopsis: “Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrest apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life, in this heartrending modern romance.”
Cast: Celine Song, Teo Woo, John Magaro
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Where to Stream: Showtime