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'Past Lives': Celine Song and Greta Lee Break Down Film's Ending

variety.com · 191 words · saved by 1 readers

When Greta Lee first read Celine Song‘s screenplay for “Past Lives,” she had an instant, visceral reaction to the ending. “I felt ill,” Lee recalls. “I was destroyed. And then I was trying to figure out how to keep reading while being blinded by my own tears.” It’s a response that would go on to be shared by many as the movie began shattering audiences last January at the Sundance Film Festival. The tears continued to flow as A24 released the film in theaters in June, where it went on to gross $21 million domestically on a budget estimated at $12 million. While that’s impressive for an independent film from a first-time filmmaker without marquee names, the impact of “Past Lives” cannot be measured merely by box office. Nor is it reflected by the strong critical and awards showing, which includes a best feature trophy from the Gotham Awards, countless top 10 lists and five nominations from both the Golden Globes and Spirit Awards. The real testament to the film’s power becomes apparent

Dan Doperalski for Variety When Greta Lee first read Celine Song ‘s screenplay for “ Past Lives ,” she had an instant, visceral reaction to the ending. "I felt ill," Lee recalls. "I was destroyed. And then I was trying to figure out how to keep reading while being blinded by my own tears." It's a response that would go on to be shared by many as the movie began shattering audiences last January at the Sundance Film Festival. The tears continued to flow as A24 released the film in theaters in June, where it went on to gross $21 million domestically on a budget estimated at $12

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