Now playing in select theaters across the country, as well as VOD (Video on Demand), is the romantic drama, Young Hearts.
Young Hearts was the official selection of the 2020 Slamdance Film Festival and nominated Grand Jury Prize Best Narrative Feature, also at the 2020 Slamdance Film Festival.
The film was written by Sarah Sherman, and directed by Sarah and Zachary Ray Sherman.
The film stars Anjini Taneja Azhar, Quinn Liebling, Alex Jarmon, Ayla Carda, Kelly Grace Richardson, Eric Martin Reid, and Tanner Orcutt. These are relative newcomers and up-and-coming actors.
Young Hearts is a somewhat typical love story about a set of teens that fall in love, but “life” tries to tear them apart.
Harper (Azhar) and Tilly (Leibling) are neighbors that attend school together. Tilly also happens to be Harper’s older brother, Alex, best friend. Harper also has a crush on her older brother’s friend.
As time goes on, Harper and Tilly spend more time together, and it’s obvious they have a mutual attraction towards one another. And so their whirlwind relationship begins.
Their relationship starts out simple enough, but they they get into a more “mature” aspect of it (sex). After that, it seems like everything spins out of control. Alex is upset over their relationship. People at school are jealous and/or petty about it. What should be a happy and fun time in their lives turns out to be way too overdramatic for the young lovers to bare.
Will they embrace each other and make it through the “storm” their relationship caused, or will it be in their best interest to call it off before something worse happens? To find out you need to check out Young Hearts. Look for it playing in select theaters and on VOD.
To be honest, I was expecting something more from this film. From the trailer it looked to be interesting, but sadly, it fell short of my expectations.
I think the film does a great job in portraying young love/first love in a realistic way (hopefully sex is not involved in most cases, seeing as how Harper is only fourteen). And I think friends and sibling jealousy and concern is something that would most likely happen in real life too. I know I was always jealous of my friends when they had boyfriends (I wasn’t allowed to date until I was 18). I know those feelings are real, but I think some of Harper and Tilly’s friends were a bit too extreme.
Although there are a lot of adult themes in this film, I do like the sweet moments of young love between the two. I remember those days when I was finally able to date. The first few weeks and months are the most precious ever, at least until the reality kicks in (peer pressure, pressure from parents, life in general).
I wish there was more adult presence in this film. I don’t know if the lack of adults was important in this film or not. I know if my young teen was dating, I would be on top of that at all times.
As far as the acting is concerned, I think these young actors did very well. They were very believable in their roles. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of them in the future.
I don’t know if I would have gone to a movie theater to see this film (personally). This has a “Lifetime movie” feel to it. There is nothing wrong with that (I watch a lot of Lifetime movies.
Below if the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
