Past Lives never quite has its feet on the ground. It deploys moments of relatable awkwardness—stuttering hellos, clumsy goodbyes—to assure us that this quirky love triangle is the real deal. But I hope we’re too clever for that. These moments aren’t difficult to execute, as any TV commercial demonstrates. In fact, the first section of Past Lives resembles an extended ad for a Macbook Pro: loading screens; ear buds; pixelated laughing; worldly locales; hip, goofy friends. A fluttering musical score of whirling, discordant chimes. Oscar nominations are now available at your nearest Apple store.
Life is unpredictable. Even the most passing stranger has a unique story. Love takes many varied forms. Our paths are ever-changing, endlessly tangled, often crossing with those of people we’d least expect.
If you feel that the above statements are profound, you’ll likely enjoy Past Lives. But I don’t, and they aren’t. While this movie might land well with audiences by virtue of its heartfelt sincerity, it lacks the substance of a classic romance.
–Jim Andersen