Hans Christian Andersen said, “Where words fail, music speaks.” This is most certainly the case with HEARTS BEAT LOUD – a quiet well-meaning slice-of-life that only feels alive when the music is playing. It’s the unfortunate kind of indie drama that fails to reach out through the screen despite showcasing two likable actors playing to their strengths. Offermann the curmudgeonly philosopher who talks about feelings without showing them, and Clemons the timid outsider trying to find her path.
Widowed dad and record store owner Frank (Nick Offerman) is preparing to close his record shop just as his only daughter, Sam (Kiersey Clemons), is about to go off to college. Their love of music triggers a jam session one night, and the result is a catchy tune that Frank dumps online under the band name “We’re Not a Band.” After the song becomes an Internet breakout, the two must decide what they want to do next in their lives and if they should keep the music going.
Director and writer Brett Haley purposefully centers the film on these small moments – the glances between a father and daughter and those times of contemplation over a drink at the bar. But the gentle, character-driven approach is ultimately unmoving. There’s no forward motion propelling the film. For a film about music, it never quite finds a rhythm that works for it. Offermann’s flirtations with his landlord played by Toni Collette is as about as bland and boring as you can get. Clemons’ relationship struggles with her girlfriend don’t offer that much more to the stagnant feeling, but it at least represents a gay relationship in a refreshingly natural, un-Hollywood way.
The music the father-daughter duo create is instantly catchy. Her impassioned voice fits perfectly with the soaring melodies and synth beats. Indie music fans will also smirk at mentions of such acts like Sleater Kinney, Animal Collective, and another band whose singer makes a cameo. In the end, the script hits all the music and indie drama notes but lacks the emotional pop to make the film a hit. The structure is there as well as all the parts. However, it doesn’t stand out from other feel-good charmers.
HEARTS BEAT LOUD is about those important transitions in life – the months between high school and college and the closing of your business and passion – and those lingering thoughts of anticipation and anxiety. While the drama didn’t hit the right notes to get sucked in, it definitely has its heart in the right place.
Overall score: 2.5 out of 5
HEARTS BEAT LOUD opens in select theaters Jun 22nd
