'Past Lives' is a story of friendship, love and the poignant what-ifs that come with it.

I finally got to see 'Past Lives', a film that wraps a lifetime of emotions into less than 2 hours. Directed by Celine Song in her feature debut, the film captures the essence of enduring relationships and life's crossroads. The narrative spans 24 years and follows the evolution of childhood friends and lovers Nora and Hae Sung, beautifully played by Greta Lee and Teo Yoo.

Let's explore why this film resonated so deeply:

• Out of Place, Out of Time: The film covers themes of alienation and temporal dissonance. It explores the what-ifs and feelings of being out of place, brilliantly capturing the internal struggles of its characters.

• The Concept of "In-Yun": This enchanting concept suggests that connections in this life stem from past interactions. This adds a layer of cosmic romantic destiny to Nora and Hae Sung's story.

• A Tale of Two Worlds: The film encapsulates the excitement of anonymity and opportunities of a new place while longing for the familiar, showcasing the bittersweet nature of life's journey.

The film will resonate deeply with anyone who's ever pondered life's paths.

Its themes, storytelling and emotional depth are reminiscent of the Richard Linklater's 'Before' trilogy, yet stand on their own. For those who've experienced the exhilaration and loneliness of being far from home, this film feels like a warm, understanding hug.

'Past Lives' is a quiet treasure for the soulful that deserves your attention.