Where to Watch Past Lives in Canada (2023)

A24 continues to showcase masterfully crafted works from burgeoning filmmakers, and the highly acclaimed debut film from Celine Song “Past Lives” is the latest sensation to capture the attention of cinephiles everywhere.

Witness Nora and Hae Sung’s emotional love story that transcends borders and withstands time. Find out where you can watch “Past Lives” in Canada.

What Is Past Lives About?

“Past Lives” follows Na Young and Hae Sung, two childhood friends from South Korea who drifted apart when Na Young’s family decided to move to Canada. Twelve years later, Na Young — now Nora — is a budding playwright in New York, while Hae Sung studies engineering in Seoul. The pair managed to reconnect over Facebook, where they would spend hours on video calls with each other, never once caring about the different time zones. Despite wanting to reunite in person, neither was willing to make the effort as both of them were occupied with their respective careers. The video calls eventually stopped, and another twelve years passed. As they continue to follow their passion and pursue other connections, fate brings Nora and Hae Sung together again in New York. This time, they must make a crucial decision: whether to take a leap of faith and embrace their feelings or let go of the once-in-a-lifetime possibilities that could exist between them.

“Past Lives” held its premiere at the Sundance Festival on January 21, 2023. It hit theaters on June 2, 2023.

Who Are in the Cast and Production of Past Lives?

“Past Lives” is the debut film of the Canadian-South Korean filmmaker Celine Song, which she wrote and directed in association with A24, an independent entertainment agency that specializes in distributing and producing arthouse films and TV shows. A24 is the company behind the most coveted arthouse titles of the past decade such as “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Lady Bird,” “Pearl,” “Beau is Afraid,” “Beef,” “Euphoria,” and “X.” “Past Lives” also features Greta Lee, a South Korean-American actress who is also known for her role in “The Morning Show.” Here’s the main cast of “Past Lives”:

• Greta Lee as Nora
• Teo Yoo as Hae Sung
• John Magaro as Arthur
• Ji Hye Yoon as Nora’s mom
• Choi Won-young as Nora’s dad
• Min Young Ahn as Hae Sung’s mom
• Jonica T. Gibbs as Janice
• Emily Cass McDonnell as Rachel
• Federico Rodriguez as Robert
• Conrad Schott as Peter
• Kristen Sieh as Heather

What is the Rating for Past Lives?

“Past Lives” is rated PG in Canada which means that the movie is suitable for audiences of all ages, though parental guidance is advised for younger viewers.

How Many People Watch Past Lives?

“Past Lives” grossed $8.4 million at the box office. It has also gained significant attention from viewers and the media since its release.

How Are the Reviews for Past Lives?

Celine Song’s debut film was received with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and viewers. The film was praised for its powerful and intimate exploration of the realities of love, connection, and destiny. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo’s performances were also commended along with the film’s stunning cinematography. 

“Past Lives” received an approval rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s why critics love “Past Lives”:

• “[Greta] Lee and [Teo] Yoo are electric together, conveying an excess of feelings both unspoken and not fully understood through their graceful exchange of looks and dialogue.” — Austin Chronicle

• “Celine Song makes a quietly spectacular writing-directing debut with Past Lives, a lyrical slow burn of a film that expertly holds back wellsprings of emotion, until it unleashes a deluge.” — Washington Post

Where to Watch Past Lives in Canada 

“Past Lives” is yet to be available on streaming platforms and VOD services in Canada.

Is Past Lives Available on Streaming?

Paramount Plus 

Viewers will have to wait for a few more months to watch “Past Lives” on their favorite streaming platforms. However, you can expect the film to be available on Paramount Plus anytime soon since most A24 films make their streaming debut on the platform after their theatrical run. While you wait for “Past Lives” to arrive on the streaming services, you might want to check out other binge-worthy titles on Paramount Plus such as “Shameless,” “La La Land,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Babylon.”

Is Past Lives Available for Rent (VOD)?

“Past Lives” is not available yet on video-on-demand platforms but you can pre-order it on the Google Play Store, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV Plus.

Is Past Lives Available on Cable or Free TV?

“Past Lives” is not airing on any cable channels or free-to-air televisions in Canada.

Should I Use a VPN to Watch Past Lives?

Paramount Plus is available in Canada, so a VPN service won’t be necessary to watch “Past Lives.”

Decades Apart, Forever Connected

“Past Lives” shows the enduring connection between Nora and Hae Sung, who’s been separated for a long time, only to realize that their love for each other remained whole despite the passing years. “Past Lives” shows that circumstances may keep people apart, but some connections, like Nora and Hae Sung, are destined to withstand the test of time and boundaries.

“Past Lives” is playing in select theaters in the US.