Celine Song’s Past Lives – a wistful love triangle between a Korean-American woman, her Korean ex who never quite aligned with her life, and the American man who did – was one of the best films of 2023. Emotionally decadent and raw, it boasted a trio of stunningly honest performances, a sharp script, and economical direction from Song. The first time I saw it, I thought it was great. The second time, I was completely bowled over. In 2025, Song returns to a similar formula: a materialistic matchmaker torn between a rich new suitor who checks every box and her ex, who is sweet but poor and otherwise ill-suited on paper. Whatever Song nailed with Past Lives, she gets absolutely wrong here. Read More
