Heartbeats

Heartbeats is a mesmerizing exploration of love, lust, and desire directed by the young, and highly promising Canadian filmmaker - Xavier Dolan. This French-language independent film from 2010 features a trifecta of unforgettable performances from Xavier Dolan himself along with Monia Chokri and Niels Schneider.

Set in Montreal's vibrant and eclectic social scene, this dramatic comedy is visually stunning and narratively captivating. Dolan uses a plethora of cinematic techniques that create an exciting, fresh, and visually sophisticated film-going experience. The movie's unique visual vocabulary comprises a variety of slow-motion sequences accompanied by an adornment of eclectic pop tunes, which blend perfectly with the cinematic imagery to evoke a feeling of tension between elegance and despair.

Heartbeats is the story of a love triangle involving three close friends: Francis (Dolan), Marie (Chokri), and Nicolas (Schneider). The protagonists are young, stylish, artsy types. Francis, a gentleman with hipster inclinations, and Marie, a woman with vintage chic, makeup two-thirds of this unorthodox triangle. They both meet the new guy in town, the enigmatic and seductively charismatic Nicolas, at the same party and, unbeknownst to each other, they are both fall head over heels infatuated with him.

Nicolas is an Adonis-like figure with an undeniable charm. He's seemingly oblivious to the attraction he induces in both Francis and Marie, or perhaps he is fully aware and plays along. The peculiar, paradoxical nature of his character is one of the central mysteries of the film.

Francis and Marie navigate their passions, hidden at first, with comedic relief, while also dealing with the anxiety-ridden task of determining whether Nicolas is straight, gay, or perhaps interested in both of them. As their obsession grows, their friendship begins to crumble, and what began as a comedic pursuit soon turns into a ruthless rivalry. Dolan employs countless imaginative visual touches to indicate the passage of time and emotional shifts.

Amidst the dramatic twists and turns, the film explores deeper aspects of human nature, and of love more specifically, including the infatuation for the ideal of love, the wish to be desired, the feeling of jealousy, and the fear of rejection. The director/screenwriter Dolan brings these themes to life with an understanding and tenderness that belies his years, choosing to treat his characters' foibles with sympathy rather than judgment. Being a story about unrequited love, "Heartbeats" presents a somewhat satirical view of infatuation and self-imposed love sickness, leading viewers to reflect upon their own experiences of love that is just out of reach.

Also noteworthy is the significant role style plays in the film. The movie is permeated by a certain aestheticism, a strong sense of style - the clothes, the hairstyles, the apartments, the color schemes - all seem impeccably selected, breathing life into every frame, so much so that this film could be seen as a fashion show where everyone exhibits an unattainable cool. It's eye candy in the way every shot is meticulously composed, the costumes are beautiful, and slow-motion is used to elicit the maximum possible emotional impact.

Heartbeats' ability to resonate with audiences speaks to Xavier Dolan's talent as a filmmaker. The film stands as a visceral and emotive exploration of love and friendship, which, complemented by its unique aesthetic and stylistically-steeped commentary, offers viewers a rich, well-rounded cinematic experience. Its mix of drama and comedy reflects real-life emotional complexities in romance and relationships.

In summary, Heartbeats is a stylish, dramatic comedy with dark undertones that explore the agony of unrequited love and the damage it can wreck on friendships. With its arresting visual style and nuanced performances, Heartbeats establishes Xavier Dolan as an innovative and original voice in contemporary cinema. It is a must-see for any indie film aficionado or lover of smart, stylish, and emotionally resonant cinema.