Past Life

Past Life (2025), directed by Simeon Halligan, is a sci-fi thriller drama following Jason Frey (played by Aneurin Barnard) an ex-international war journalist suffering from PTSD. After undergoing hypnosis, carried out by Timothy Bevan, played by Jeremy Piven, a renowned hypnotist and suspected conman, Jason can enter into episodes of his past life. Once partnered, Jason and Timothy discover the past life Jason is entering is one of a prolific serial killer in several unsolved murder cases, and together they make it their aim to find out who is responsible for these killings. Jason must therefore repeatedly submit to Timothy’s hypnosis and view each of these murders taking place through the eyes of the killer, his supposed past life, gathering clues about each murder to lead them to the murderer’s identity.

Meanwhile, Jason is still displaying symptoms of post-traumatic stress and survivor's guilt due to his experience of being held hostage by ISIS. He has a short temper and is impulsive, and so, absolutely driven to find this supposed murderer through hypnosis. This takes a toll on his relationship with Claira, his wife, played by Pixie Lott, as she suspects he is descending into madness and that this quest is purely a result of his trauma being mismanaged. The film expertly dances on the edge of both possibilities, displaying Jason’s hypnotic dreams as vividly real, whilst also placing his character in scenarios which highlight the unlikely, bizarre nature of what he claims to be experiencing. Claira’s perspective further adds to this, as she sees Jason’s mental state declining and loses touch with the love he once held dearly. By balancing the possibility of Jason’s ability to see into his past life alongside the real-life mental struggles he has, the film remains grounded in reality despite having sci-fi elements, enhancing the story’s most dramatic and human moments.

Cinematic use of moody lighting is particularly charming in Past Life. Most notably so in the film’s dream sequences, where Jason’s inner mind palace appears like a surreal realm, with artful shots that maintain a mysterious and otherworldly feel to an otherwise simple corridor space. These sequences are followed by Jason’s visions of the killer’s brutal murders, which technically take place in the 80s. The use of colour grading and blur brings to life a retro feel, similar in look to classic slashers of this era such as the Friday the 13th franchise. The violence and gore here are convincing, the film doesn't shy away from bloody deaths throughout, certainly bringing an element of horror. Use of special effects and make-up, as well as jump scares effectively creates memorable scares.

Outside of the film’s more thrilling moments, there is stylistic camera work with well-crafted incorporation of mirrors in order to convey divides between characters. This is particularly seen between Jason and Claira as he becomes increasingly distressed by the murder investigation, and she is disturbed by the warning signs of psychosis that he is displaying. Costume is also used well to convey deteriorating mental states.

The film features a unique and prolific lineup of cast members. This includes stars like Nick McInnery, as well as actors new to the film industry such as Pixie Lott, famous for her music career. This allows for a refreshing viewing experience, bringing unique dynamics and acting styles to the screen. There is also a blend of American and English adverts, giving the film a confused national identity which in a way adds to the film’s delirious feel, as a story defined by Jason’s inability to separate what is going on inside his head from the reality around him.

Overall, the film has an engaging story which is well-paced to keep the viewer engaged throughout. Each part is well acted, allowing for poignant dramatic moments as well as having its darkly thrilling, horror aspects. The stylistic camera work and editing give the film a dreamlike look and feel, which is aptly juxtaposed with sharp realism to maintain the film’s dichotomy as one split between two worlds- reality and fantasy, and therefore two vastly different but intriguing possibilities for where the story will conclude. Viewers may ask themselves which possibility is scarier, and begin to wonder how much our mind is really capable of creating, particularly in its most vulnerable state.

Past Life is out on digital 6 April 2026 from Miracle Media