#TIFF14: “HEARTBEAT”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Heartbeat is meant to be this inspiring Comedic Story about getting your life together after it all falls apart. However the way that Director Andrea Dorfman and the Movie approach this subject, the message gets lost. The Film unfortunately never finds its true voice throughout, and makes the experience more strenuous than enjoyable.

The Story focuses on Justine (Tanya Davis) and her struggle to accept that her Boyfriend dumped her, and then after the countless ‘break-up sex’ encounters finally left town. She decides that the only way she can pull her life together is by playing her forgotten about guitar. This is where she meets Ruby (Stephanie Clattenburg). Their relationship is the highlight of the Movie as it feels like the only real, tangible part of this doomed Film. Thankfully, Clattenburg proves to be the true Standout here.

Out-of-nowhere appearances of crude Animation, neither enhance nor detract from the muddled Story despite showing promise of something intriguing.

Heartbeat screens Saturday, September 6, 2014 7:15 PM at Scotiabank Theatre 14 and Monday, September 8, 2014 4:00 PM at Scotiabank Theatre 8.