In Past Lives, two childhood friends separated by thousands of miles reconnect from afar, hinting at something stronger. Akin to Before Sunrise, the romantic drama features great performances and an alluring story, even if it doesn’t quite live up to the hype.

A beautifully told story of small stakes but strong emotions, Past Lives hinges on an excellent screenplay and the shoulders of its two stars, Greta Lee and Teo Yoo (John Magaro also is fantastic in a supporting role). For a while it’s a mesmerizing piece of filmmaking, a perfectly told story that draws you in with its simple but compelling concept and the hint of a romance everyone wants to see happen.

By the third act, it’s lost a step. It’s still well done, still superbly acted, but the charm has worn away just a bit. For all the hype of “best movie of the year,” it’s merely a good one—worthy of attention, not quite worthy of the praise it has garnered.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.