Past Lives doesn't aim to be a philosophical manifesto. Even Nora admits that for her, in-yun was something she used "to seduce" her husband. It is a grounding cultural reference given narrative meaning even as the characters themselves are unsure what to do with in-yun: it is nostalgia, childhood, history, family, and future affixed to simple moments, like brushing past a stranger. When Nora and Hae Sung look back at their lives and to their future, their separate lives, ambitions,…

Beautifully written, directed, acted. Stolen glances to capture Héloise's portrait that then transform into romantic looks of longing -- what a concept! The very last scene, where Héloise looks on at the play and sobs is heartwrenching... but I found the next-to-last scene where Marianne sees a portrait of Héloise with her child to be the most compelling.

The book is evidence of her love for Marianne. The child is evidence of a life outside of Marianne. I don't know…