Of Things Past

Well-crafted, thoughtful story that follows the intersection of 2 families who each experience the trauma of their young kids' accidents. Filmed in both '85 and '22, earlier events are reflected on by key characters who meet later in life. Outstanding performances by Ms. Clark and Mr. Moriarty. The latter acts, sings, plays piano. Beautifully shot and with a soundtrack that supports the struggles the primary characters wade through coming to terms with indecision. And indiscretion.

A flaw may be that the "miracle" conversation that Moriarty's character has with a doctor feels extraneous.

A unique production. Calls for a 2nd viewing. And a wider audience.

This film does something few dare to try. It shows us a love story as it truly unfolds, complete with the erosion and renewal that happen over decades. In Of Things Past, the young couple's fresh start is interrupted by grief, secrets, and emotional withdrawal. The quiet pacing invites us into their private world, making every smile or frown feel earned. The seasons in Mammoth Lakes change, but the couple's emotional winters sometimes last longer than the snow. This is a portrait of two people who must learn whether love can survive when the dream of a perfect life is gone.

Few films attempt to capture the reality of a relationship across decades, but Of Things Past succeeds beautifully. The loss of a child is the catalyst for the couple's journey, but it is the passing years that test their love. The real-time aging of the actors adds an authenticity that deepens every scene. Watching them navigate trust, betrayal, and reconciliation over thirty-five years is an emotional experience that lingers long after the credits.

The beauty of Of Things Past lies in its attention to the small details. The couple's love story is framed against the backdrop of Mammoth Lakes' changing seasons. Each shift in weather reflects a change in their emotional state. Some winters bring closeness, others isolation. Filmed over thirty-five years, the story unfolds with a natural rhythm that makes every change believable. The grief of losing their child remains, but it transforms over time, sometimes softening, sometimes hardening their hearts. This is an honest portrayal of love's endurance.

Of Things Past does not chase dramatic twists. Its power lies in its patience. The couple at its center faces the slow unraveling of their bond after their child's death. Relocating to Mammoth Lakes offers them a new landscape but not an escape from their pain. Over decades, we see their relationship bend under the weight of secrets and missed chances. Yet, there are also moments of tenderness that keep them connected. The film's greatest strength is showing love as an evolving, imperfect, and deeply human force.