At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, there are few films that earned as much love during its premiere as “Beating Hearts.” While the film didn’t necessarily score big with critics, it did earn a huge 15-minute ovation after it premiered. That must count for something, right?
As seen in the trailer, “Beating Hearts” tells the story of two childhood loves who come back together later in life. One of them is now happily married, while the other has been living a darker life.
The film stars Adèle Exarchopoulos, François Civil, Malik Frikah, and Mallory Wanecque. “Beating Hearts” is directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Gilles Lellouche. He previously directed the feature film, “Sink or Swim,” which was nominated for multiple César Awards.
We saw “Beating Hearts” when it debuted at Cannes this year, and in our review, we said, “Like their younger counterparts, perhaps if Civil had Exarchopoulos had some genuine on-screen chemistry all would be forgiven. Maybe ‘Beating Hearts’ would be worth its wild and bumpy ride. But, oh, no. We’ve still got 20 minutes left. Strap in.”
“Beating Hearts” is coming to French cinemas on October 16. An international release has yet to be announced. You can watch the trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Raised in a troublesome neighbourhood, local rebellious teenager Clotaire falls for his schoolmate Jackie, charmed by her fearless spirit and sharp wit. As powerful first love blossoms between the two, rampant gang violence entices him into a much darker path and ultimately destroys all they have built when he is charged with a crime he didn’t commit. After many years apart, now leading profoundly different lives, the star-crossed lovers discover that every path they’ve taken leads them back together, but will love triumph over Clotaire’s quest for revenge?