By Jan Wahl–
We celebrate women in March, though most of us appreciate women every day! Each year there are one or two actresses that knock me out with brilliant performances. Of course, it helps when they get roles that demonstrate their talent, but no matter what, these girls rock.
Greta Lee tops the bill for me this year. She is the star of a truly beautiful movie called Past Lives. I became aware of her in an Apple TV series called The Morning Show. Underneath the bitterness and seriousness of her character in that series there is wisdom and strength. But I had no idea this actress could completely shift to starring as a woman reunited with a childhood best friend in The Morning Show to a person confronting choices and destiny in Past Lives. Celine Song’s melancholy, elegant indie film hits every emotional beat with clarity. It’s a romcom without being a rom com, giving us a story and characters to invest in. Because of its many award nominations so far this year, including being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, this small but wonderful film will receive a wider audience.
As Nora in Past Lives—a writer who emigrates from South Korea to Manhattan—Lee is connected back to her childhood friend (Teo Yoo). The film takes us through a Manhattan that Woody Allen showed us in his Manhattan. We go deep into hidden emotions and moments of grace. If we didn’t fall for the characters, none of this would count. But unless you have a heart of stone, you will join me in feeling immersed in the film’s relatable dreams and its story about the reality of destiny.
Lee, known for playing side characters such as the cool and confident best friend, is a lead and hopefully will continue to be as she takes on new film projects. I will never forget her performance in Past Lives, becoming someone who makes peace with life’s unknowable forces. The lack of an Academy Award Best Actress nomination for her is another example of Oscar disappointment (no nod for Gerwig for Barbie?), but her gorgeous performance in Past Lives will take her into great roles.
Another fine performance this year was overlooked as much as the marvelous movie was. The Color Purple should have been retitled and given an earlier release. Few saw it and many missed out on one of the best movies ever. Fantasia Barrino plays Celie, an unforgettable girl and woman, in a film that was beautifully directed by Blitz Bazawule (who should have been nominated as Best Director for the Academy Awards).
Based on the novel by Alice Walker, The Color Purple’s story of love, redemption, and forgiveness is brought to life through singing, dancing, a magnificent ending, and Barrino’s lead performance. She is extraordinary in this challenging role, going from victim to freedom. This vibrant film gives Fantasia a chance to show depth and gut-wrenching pain, as well as the ability to belt a number in the best Garland tradition. Danielle Brooks is nominated for Best Supporting Actress, the only part of the film to be Oscar recognized. She gives feisty depth to Sofia, a woman who tears into those who get in her way. I love this movie, and love these performances. I hope you all will seek it out.
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian and film critic on various broadcast outlets. She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
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Published on March 7, 2024
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