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Heartbeats

  • Film
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
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Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Can we really be so tough on a film that apes the sophisticated two-friends-crushing-on-the-same-lust-object structure of Jules and Jim? Of course not. And as we watch modish Marie (Chokri) and her gay BFF, Francis (Dolan), cruise in luxurious slo-mo toward their ill-fated dates with the aloof Nicolas (Schneider), can one not be reminded of Wong Kar-wai's stylish In the Mood for Love? Don't fight it. Note, as well, Marie's Anna Karina bob and this romantic comedy's cynical interviews to the lens. Love you too, Jean-Luc.

Here's something more worth knowing: Writer-director-star Xavier Dolan was only 20 years old when he made this movie. And it's already his second feature. Think back to the things you did when you were not yet out of college; it's likely you won't remember getting standing ovations at the Cannes Film Festival. Dolan's latest wears its influences---and its heart---on its sleeve, but the observations it makes are far from sappy. "Love me or leave me," coos unworthy Nicolas to our heroes, and though you pray for the latter, such self-protective measures aren't likely. Though his results are sometimes raw, Dolan seems to be chronicling heartache as he discovers it. Indulge him.

Read our Q&A with Xavier Dolan!

Watch the trailer

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Written by Joshua Rothkopf
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