We discuss the ending of the 2023 film Past Lives, which will contain significant spoilers.
Past Lives tells the story of Na Young and Hae Sung, two childhood friends who lost touch after Na’s family emigrated to Canada. Na’s parents compelled her to change her name to Nora to assimilate into their new culture. However, Hae has always remembered Na and their profound bond during adolescence.
Past Lives (2023) Ending Explained
Hae reconnects with Nora twelve years later after completing his military service. Still in Korea, he’s about to relocate to China to take a language exchange. Hae attempts to contact Nora through her father’s social media page on Facebook, who is a popular filmmaker. Hae was unaware that Na had changed her name to Nora.
Now in her twenties, Nora has immigrated to New York City and is developing her writing skills to become a playwright. They reconnect via an online computer communication platform. After two decades, after falling in and out of touch, they meet for one weekend in the Big Apple.
Why does Nora cut off communication with Hae?
After recognizing the importance of her dedication to her writing, Nora tells Hae they will need to take a temporary break from talking over Skype in the foreseeable future. Nora was reminiscing with her mother about their homeland and old friends when she saw a message from Hae on her father’s social media page.
The decision was made a few weeks after their conversation transitioned from nostalgia to genuine feelings developed between them. After trying to set a date and time to meet in person, their career plans block their attempts to make the plans work. Nora ponders the decision not to squander the meaning and purpose of her parent’s sacrifice to immigrate to North America.
Who does Nora meet at her writer’s retreat?
Nora meets her future husband Arthur (played by First Cow’s John Magaro) at a writer’s retreat. After Nora arrives, no one shows up until Arthur the following day. Being the only two there, they begin to connect as Nora explains that lovers’ meeting signifies that they have met numerous times in their past lives. This is a South Korean concept known as “inyeon.”
Arthur then asks Nora if she believes in the concept of inyeon, but she says no, as it’s just a way for people to charm each other. Arthur picks up Nora’s signals and kisses her.
Why does Hae come to visit Nora in New York City?
We do not know initially why Hae has come to visit Nora in New York City, but we can safely assume Hae has come to visit because he’s in love with Nora. During the period when the old friends took a break from talking, which lasted almost a decade, Hae was in China. He dated a woman there but told Nora he didn’t propose because he couldn’t afford to marry her.
After their initial meeting, Nora comes home and tells her husband, Arthur, his suspicions are correct. Hae came to America not for a vacation but to see her. Arthur begins to feel insecure and wonders if they are only together because Nora and Hae never had a moment where their paths crossed as adults until now. Nora, somewhat lamely, assures Arther she loves him.
What does Hae tell Nora at the bar?
In a compelling scene, Hae candidly expresses his feelings for Nora in Korean and in front of Arthur. Although we know that Arthur understands and speaks Korean, he claims to have limited proficiency in the language. Hae introduces the concept of inyeon, and as viewers, we suspect that Arthur comprehends more Korean than he admits.
At the very least, it becomes apparent that Arthur grasps the meaning of inyeon when Hae mentions it. The reciprocated love between Nora and Hae becomes evident as they exchange affectionate glances and wax poetically as if they may have been lovers in the past. Nora excuses herself to use the restroom, leaving Arthur and Hae alone.
Acknowledging the situation, Hae apologizes to Arthur, expressing that this proved more difficult than he had anticipated due to Arthur’s genuine character.
Why does Nora cry at the end of the film Past Lives?
It’s unclear why Nora cries at the end of Past Lives, but it could be because this signifies the end of their past lives. After the bar, the three adults return to the apartment, where Hae grabs his suitcase. He hugs Arthur, and Nora walks him to his ride-share. While waiting, they debate if this is past life and their subsequent life together.
After Hae leaves, Nora walks back to her building, where Arthur is waiting, and she cries in his arms. Initially, we think Hae and Nora must have been lovers because they have met multiple in this life, whereas Arthur only met Nora once.
Not kissing Nora before he leaves could signify he broke the predestined bond for their lives in the future and ending their romance as their lives continue.
What did you think of the ending of the 2023 film Past Lives? Comment below.
