One of the most talked about movies of 2025 is already Materialists but the director and writer of that film, Celine Song was behind one of the best releases of 2023, Past Lives, which is now available on Netflix. Materialists is trending and popular right now due to its impressive cast of big names led by Pedro Pascal, Dakota Johnson, and Chris Evans. Past Lives is a film in the same vein but doesn’t quite have the same star power, so it was overlooked.
The plot of Past Lives is actually semi-autobiographical as it was inspired by events from Song’s life. The story follows two childhood friends (Greta Lee and Teo Yoo) who grow up and have their romance and relationship altered by the simple pᴀssing of time and people moving on in life, only to come back together 24 years later as adults. The modern romance classic with met with widespread acclaim and anyone interested in Materialists needs to check it out on Netflix.
Celine Song’s Past Lives Was One Of The Best Movies Of 2023
The Film Was A Critical Darling
2023 was a loaded year for movies and things were especially crowded when it came to critically acclaimed features. Oppenheimer, Barbie, and Poor Things were just a few of the films heavily nominated for accolades across various award shows, but so was Past Lives. It still flew under the radar when compared to those bigger name movies, yet Past Lives was also up for Best Picture at the Oscars, while also being nominated for Best Original Screenplay.
Along with those two Oscar nominations, Past Lives found itself as a hit at the Golden Globes, being up for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Picture – Non-English Language, and Best Screenplay, while star Greta Lee was up for Best Actress. It also took home Best Picture at the Independent Spirit Awards (with Song winning Best Director there). Past Lives was in plenty of year-end top 10 lists across various platforms, was a modest box office success, and launched Celine Song into the stratosphere as a filmmaker to watch.
Materialists Is More Of What Worked In Past Lives
Both Films Are Great For Similar Reasons
With such high praise for her directorial debut, Celine Song’s follow-up was eagerly anticipated. About two years later, we got it in Materialists and the critical reception is also fantastic for her second project, because it shares several traits. For starters, both movies center on a love triangle. Past Lives deals with the childhood friends reigniting feelings while one is in a happy relationship. Materialists sees a matchmaker linked to her actor ex-boyfriend and a charming billionaire.
Her ability to write heartfelt love triangles that actually feel realistic is incredible and this duo of movies cements her as one of the leaders in modern romantic filmmaking.
Both movies have seen high praise for the chemistry between the lead actors but it’s Celine Song’s work that really makes the movies click. Her ability to write heartfelt love triangles that actually feel realistic is incredible and this duo of movies cements her as one of the leaders in modern romantic filmmaking. This kind of powerful storytelling means Past Lives and Materialists should withstand the test of time and remain great relationship dramas for years to come.
