Beat Beat Heart

Beat Beat Heart is a distinctive German production that revolves around themes of love, romance, and moving on. Directed by Luise Brinkmann, this film, released in 2016, stars Lana Cooper, Saskia Vester, and Till Wonka and explores the unpredictable nature of relationships in the modern world.

The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Kerstin, portrayed captivatingly by Lana Cooper. Kerstin, a daydreamer by nature, is a girl with a heart full of love. The movie starts with her dealing with the end of her seven-year relationship. Although it has been sometime since the breakup, Kerstin continues to believe in the concept of soulmates and remains hopeful that her ex-boyfriend will return to reconcile with her. She is constantly waiting for a doorbell to ring or a surprise phone call from her ex, who has not been in touch.

However, this existence laden with melancholy and expectancy is humorously disrupted with the arrival of her mother, Charlotte, at her doorstep. Saskia Vester brilliantly embodies the persona of a rebellious and passionate mother who decides to stay indefinitely with her daughter after separating from her boyfriend. Life for Kerstin changes overnight from mundane solitude to an exhilarating roller coaster, thanks to her mother's brazen attitude and quirkiness.

While Kerstin is still fixed on her old relationship, her mother advocates the ideas of casual relationships and the freedom of being single. The movie does a great job in highlighting the contrast between the daughter's old-fashioned romantic beliefs and the mother's modern outlook towards relationships. This contrast forms the core of the movie and paves way for numerous opportunities for humorous as well as emotional insights into their opposing views on love, bringing a rich dynamic to the film.

Adding another layer to the mix is the entry of the mysterious neighbor who just moved in next door, played deftly by Till Wonka. Slowly, a refreshing yet complicated love triangle forms, testing Kerstin's steadfast belief in soulmates and true love.

One of the notable aspects of Beat Beat Heart is the director's unique storytelling technique. Brinkmann brilliantly portrays the reality of relationships while maintaining an almost dream-like atmosphere throughout the film. Reality blends seamlessly with the characters' dreams and fantasies, creating a unique visual narrative that gives viewers an intimate look into the characters' innermost emotions and thoughts. Certain elements of humor are added, easing the otherwise emotional plot and making way for the audience to relish an exceptional mix of romantic comedy.

The film is also an exploration of the concept of love from different generational viewpoints. Through all the humor and heartbreak, the movie encourages viewers to find joy in whatever path love may take; it may not always be pretty, but it is always worthwhile.

Moreover, the exquisite acting talents of Cooper, Vester, and Wonka shine through, imbuing the characters with multi-dimensionality. Lana Cooper delivers a poignant performance as a hopeful romantic, while Saskia Vester rules the screen with her infectious enthusiasm as the adventurous mother. Till Wonka, with his subtle performance, completes this trio, offering a balanced perspective towards love.

Beat Beat Heart is embellished with a remarkable soundtrack that resonates perfectly with the plot and the mood of the characters. The film's tempo ebbs and flows to the infectious 'beat' of life and love, making the title apt in conveying the story's essence.

This dynamic film invites the audience to ride the emotional roller-coaster of a mother-daughter duo navigating the unpredictable landscapes of love and heartbreak. It's a truly beautiful exploration of the varying shades of love, the longing for romantic fulfillment, and the undying hope for true love that exists within every heart. Beat Beat Heart is indeed an emotional, dreamy, and universally relatable film that unfolds joyous and thought-provoking layers of love, life, and relationships.