Celine Song's Oscar-nominated *Past Lives* & new hit *Materialists* arrive on HBO Max! Stream *Past Lives* Nov 2, then *Materialists* Nov 7. Don't miss the d...
- October 24, 2025
AceShowbiz - Fans of acclaimed writer-director Celine Song have a compelling double feature to anticipate this November, as her Oscar-nominated debut, Past Lives, is set to join her latest hit, Materialists, on HBO Max. Starting November 7, viewers can stream Materialists, her highly anticipated sophomore film which broke box office records this summer. The excitement begins even earlier: Past Lives, garnering Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay in 2023, arrives on November 2, just days after leaving Netflix on November 1.
Past Lives captivated audiences and critics with its profoundly soulful exploration of a romance that might have been. The film tells the story of childhood friends Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), who reconnect after two decades, separated when Nora's family immigrated from South Korea to the U.S. This poignant narrative solidified Celine Song's reputation, prompting A24 to partner with her again.
That follow-up is Materialists, an unconventional romance making a significant impact. Starring the formidable trio of Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the movie became Celine Song's highest-grossing film and one of A24's top performers this summer. In stark contrast to Past Lives' introspection, Materialists plunges into the bustling world of a Manhattan matchmaker (Johnson) grappling with a complex love triangle. While it didn't achieve the same critical acclaim, it stands as a solid, compelling addition to Celine Song's filmography.
The simultaneous availability of both films on HBO Max presents a unique opportunity. Having Past Lives and Materialists accessible within days could spark renewed appreciation for Celine Song's storytelling and thematic preoccupations. Viewers discovering one film might be prompted to explore the other, allowing a deeper understanding of her artistic evolution. Both features, despite distinct tones, offer an honest examination of regret and the complex role of materiality in relationships.
Beyond these two acclaimed works, the talent associated with