My Review of "Hearts Beat Loud"

Hearts Beat Loud was an unexpectedly good movie. I didn't think much of it when I decided to watch it but there was a lot more substance to this movie than I had originally thought. It's an interesting perspective of both father and daughter. I really liked how they melded the story about their small family. There is a very realistic element to it that felt genuine.

This movie first starts out this man named Frank. He's a single father trying to figure out how to steer his family especially since it's in such a flux. His mother mind is slowly deteriorating so much that he's forced to have her move into his home. His daughter Sam is in her final year of high school. She's got a lot going in her life seeing as she's moving out to go to medical school.

Frank is under extreme stress because he doesn't know how to pay for his daughter's schooling, take care of his mother and fix his ailing record store business. To make matters even more interesting he's got a semi-relationship with his landlord. He really likes her however she doesn't see him more than a resident in her home. They obviously have more than a friendship relationship but she wants to stay as friends.

To relieve some of his stress he likes to play music. He actually used to be in a band when he was younger. He was so good that he had his own record and formed a band with his then wife until she passed away. This death definitely had a huge impact on Frank and his daughter Sam.

Frank and Sam occasionally have musical sessions. It's like their dad and daughter time together but Sam seems to be growing out of it. She's starting a relationship with a girl that would eventually become her muse. Frank is absolutely elated about this relationship she has because her musical talents are starting to really show.

The problem with this is that Sam doesn't really want to make music because it brings a comparison to her deceased mother. She doesn't want to fallow in the same footsteps and her dad and mother because they are struggling now. That's mainly the reason why she's decided to push her life toward becoming a doctor.

This movie was a nice breathe of fresh air because it really explores the character's motivations. Each of them have their own interests but each of their interests intersect with one another. Frank obviously wants to continue to make music but this is his passion and he kind of pushed it onto Sam.

Sam is more of a mystery. She seems to enjoy making the songs and we also know why she doesn't want to make music. The allure of a stable living as a doctor does seem like an admirable direction but is this really what she wants? Then again if she goes into music is it what she wants or is it what her father wants? She also has to go through a difficult decision to move out of the city for school. The decision is tough because her girlfriend, friends and family are all in New York. It's tough to move outside your comfort zone but she knows this is the way for her to pursue her career.

All of the characters are extremely charming. I wanted to be friends with pretty much everyone that was in the movie. They're all such interesting multi-dimensional people. It's also such a great environment. You can see that everyone is free to be whoever they want to be and not have to deal with any judgement of any kind. This is really an ideal place to become who you want to be.

Still the stresses that Frank has to deal with are all too real. As we age we realize that some of our dreams start to fade away. Family members are getting older and you have to take care of them. His record store is failing obviously because technology has taken over with streaming and online purchases. He's a relic in this new world and he even realizes it. It's a sad decline but the audience can tell he's still going to be okay.

Overall, I really liked this movie. It's a movie that feels fresh and original. There's smiles to be had from the beginning all the way to the end. I have to give this movie an 8 out of 10. If you haven't already seen it I highly encourage you to give this movie a chance. It's worth it.