Beating Hearts (2024)
Original title: L’amour ouf
Beating Hearts, directed by Gilles Lellouche, is a heartfelt and messy love story that feels incredibly real. It’s about Jackie (Adèle Exarchopoulos), a young woman trying to pick up the pieces after a family tragedy, and Clotaire (François Civil), a restless kid from a tough neighbourhood. From the moment they meet, there’s an undeniable connection between them, but life keeps throwing challenges their way—whether it’s poverty, crime, or the consequences of their own choices.
The film is set in the 80s and 90s, and you can really feel the time and place in every scene. The economic struggles and social tensions aren’t just background noise—they shape who these characters are and what they dream of. Lellouche takes an Irish story and makes it his own, capturing the rough edges of working-class life while never losing the tenderness that holds the story together.
At first, the film moves with a lively energy. Clotaire does everything he can to get Jackie’s attention—stealing small things, joking around, making mixtapes. Their early moments crackle with excitement and hope. But as the years go on, things get more complicated. Crime, betrayal, and tough choices start to weigh on them, and the story takes some darker turns. The film jumps around in time, which keeps you interested, though the middle drags a bit as it tries to cover too much. Luckily, the ending brings the focus back to their relationship and feels honest and earned.
There are strong themes of loyalty, regret, and trying to break free from your past running through the film. Lellouche uses small, meaningful details—a ringing phone, a dance sequence—to show what the characters can’t say out loud. These moments add a quiet poetry that stays with you.
The acting is where the film really shines. Adèle Exarchopoulos is magnetic as Jackie, balancing toughness and vulnerability in a way that makes you cheer for her, even when she stumbles. François Civil’s Clotaire is raw and real, showing both bravado and insecurity. The supporting cast, especially Alain Chabat, bring warmth and humour, giving the film some much-needed lightness.
Visually, the film is striking. The colours shift with the characters’ moods—warm and golden when there’s hope, cold and grey when things fall apart. The sets feel lived-in and authentic, from cramped apartments to buzzing nightclubs. Special effects are minimal and never distract from the story.
The soundtrack is a standout, packed with songs from The Cure, New Order, Madonna, Nas, and Jay-Z. These tracks don’t just set the scene—they capture the characters’ longing and restlessness. Jon Brion’s score adds a gentle sadness that ties everything together.
The dialogue feels natural, full of sharp wit and quiet pain. Sometimes it leans on familiar lines, but the chemistry between the leads keeps it fresh and believable.
If you’ve seen films like Fish Tank, you’ll recognise the struggle of young people trying to find their place in a tough world. Beating Hearts is bigger and more romantic, with a sweeping style that makes it unique.
It’s not perfect—the middle slows down, and some storylines could have been trimmed—but it’s honest, moving, and beautifully acted. If you’re drawn to stories about love, hardship, and hope, Beating Hearts is definitely worth watching.