Lead with Your Heart

Lead With Your Heart, a Hallmark movie from 2015, stars William Baldwin, Kari Matchett, and Steven Love. This emotional and heartwarming film is sure to tug at viewers' heartstrings as it beautifully explores the complexities of love, relationships, and commitment.

The story unfolds around the married couple, Ben (William Baldwin) and Maura (Kari Matchett). Both are accomplished professionals: Ben is a highly respected and well-paid corporate consultant, while Maura is a dynamic and passionate social worker. Despite their career successes, they are confronted with the quintessential empty nest syndrome as their children, Miles and Emily, leave for college. The sudden quiet in their home brings dormant issues to the surface, and for the first time, they begin to question their relationship’s vitality. Are they really in love, or have they just grown accustomed to each other’s company?

While Ben and Maura are trying to keep their marriage afloat, an exciting opportunity arises for Ben. He is offered a high-end consulting job in Boston, which promises not just an escape from the suburban routine, but also a massive career boost. Likewise, Maura stumbles upon a large vacant property, which she dreams of transforming into a unique community center. Both opportunities, however, demand them to commit in different directions geographically - Ben to Boston and Maura staying back home.

The predicament they face isn't merely the decision of moving to Boston or staying put, but also valuing what truly matters in their lives. Do the enticements of career progression outweigh their loyalty and commitment to each other? Are they willing to risk their comfortable suburban life and their relationship for their individual dreams?

Lead With Your Heart thrives on the fantastic performances by Baldwin and Matchett. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and viewers can easily relate with their characters' struggles. They portray a realistic image of a middle-aged couple, striving to balance their dreams, professional aspirations, and most importantly, their relationship. The layered storytelling with its alternating moments of conflicts, joy, resentment, and reconciliation makes it highly engaging.

Steven Love, who portrays their son Miles, adds another layer of complexity to the storyline. He himself is embarking on a journey of self-discovery and independence. Through Miles' character, the movie successfully represents the trials and tribulations of young adulthood, further adding to its authentic representation of family dynamics.

A notable feature of Lead With Your Heart is its strong emphasis on life’s transition periods. There’s a palpable sense of melancholy that accompanies the empty house once the kids leave, the uncertainty and fear of change as Ben and Maura face their crossroads, and the exhilarating yet terrifying journey of Miles from adolescence to adulthood.

It’s not all somber and weighted - the movie offers many warm and lighthearted moments, peppered with wonderful anecdotes about love and family which ensure a balanced viewing experience. The storyline also promotes the importance of open communication, of making decisions together as a couple and valuing each other’s dreams, which lends an enduring and valuable lesson to viewers.

The movie is replete with stunning cinematography. The suburban setting with its sprawling lawns and quiet neighborhoods, juxtaposed with the bustling city of Boston, enriches the narrative's emotional depth. The serene surroundings and landscapes capture the essence of the characters’ emotions and complement the storyline.

Intriguing, relatable, and deeply touching, Lead With Your Heart is a movie that can be enjoyed by those of all ages. Showing a mature couple grappling with change and rediscovering their love sets it apart from the crowd. It's not just a simple love story, but a testament to enduring relationships and the commitments that sustain them. Whether you're a fan of heartwarming dramas or you appreciate stories that explore more profound themes, Lead With Your Heart will likely touch your heart and leave an enduring impression.