By Jon Donnis
Simeon Halligan's psychological thriller Past Life delivers a tense and unsettling journey into the human mind, supported by an ensemble including Aneurin Barnard, Jeremy Piven, Pixie Lott, Nicholas Farrell and Tim McInnerny. Filmed in Manchester, the movie receives a limited theatrical release on 20 March 2026, followed by a digital debut on 6 April 2026 through Miracle Media.
The story follows Jason (Barnard), a war reporter scarred by years covering conflict in the Middle East. Despite his efforts to lead a normal life, the trauma lingers. When his wife Claira (Lott) encourages him to attend a late-night hypnosis show, Jason reluctantly agrees, expecting nothing more than entertainment. That expectation is shattered when hypnotist Tim (Piven) claims to send participants into visions of past lives. Jason experiences a terrifying episode, seeing through the eyes of a 1980s serial killer, and begins to question what is real and what is not.
Haunted by memories of extreme violence he cannot explain, Jason grows increasingly obsessed and unbalanced. Claira urges him to return for another session, hoping for clarity, but the hypnotic journey reveals even more disturbing truths. With the help of retired journalist Elliot Reed (Farrell), Jason pieces together clues from the visions, uncovering a connection to a man tied to the original crimes. As his grip on reality falters, the tension escalates when a new murder occurs, making it clear that the past has been reawakened with deadly consequences.
The film explores themes of trauma, obsession and the fragile line between reality and illusion. Past Life uses twisted timelines and growing paranoia to immerse the viewer in a world where past and present collide, and the consequences of unearthing hidden truths are immediate and chilling. With a carefully constructed atmosphere and a compelling central performance from Barnard, it promises to be a thought-provoking thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
Limited theatrical release 20 March 2026. Digital release 6 April 2026 from Miracle Media.
