Chemical Hearts Review: A Coming of Age Drama About Loss And Growth

Release date: August 21, 2020
Running time: 93 minutes
Starring: Lili Reinhart, Austin Abrams, Sarah Jones

Seventeen-year-old Henry Page (Austin Abrams) has never been in love. He fancies himself a romantic, but the kind of once-in-a-lifetime love he’s been hoping for just hasn’t happened yet. Then, on the first day of senior year, he meets transfer student Grace Town (Lili Reinhart) and it seems all that is about to change. When Grace and Henry are chosen to co-edit the school paper, he is immediately drawn to the mysterious newcomer. As he learns the heartbreaking secret that has changed her life, he finds himself falling in love with her — or at least the person he thinks she is. 

It feels like it has been a while since we had a good teenage coming of age drama, and Chemical Hearts captures what makes those movies so appealing.  And yet, although this movie leans on many cliches of the time, it also feels decidedly more modern and relatable than many in this genre.  You have a more intellectual, but emotionally mature guy and a broken but deep girl.  They both have their issues and feel like outcasts in their own rights.  Henry is surrounded by some good friends, and although they don't get a ton of screen time, they are great rounding out the cast with diverse, interesting characters.  But they are all slightly awkward in their own respect, just like high school.  No one has it figured out and they are all trying to grow together and at their own pace.  I also really like Henry's parents, who have trouble relating to their kid but also feel like good, modern parents.  They trust him and aren't too strict, but will discipline when needed.

The bulk of the interactions here are between Henry and Grace, and those can be a mixed bag.  Overall they are sweet and feel genuine, though because of Grace's broken character, she can be dominating.  At times it feels like a push and pull, but often it feels like they are going at the speed that Grace determines.  She seems to be controlling, but that is partly what she is working on.  However, when called upon, the story has some heavy emotional scenes and Lili Reinhart nails those.  She can let herself go when needed and it really adds to some of the power in this film.  And as frustrating as it could be, I did like Henry's overall attitude, recognizing that she needed some time and not pushing her. And the story is very much about growing up and both of these characters grow together, even if that growth can come at some personal cost.  The story has plenty of development and revelation as these two kids learn more about themselves and each other.  And although I didn't love the ending, it doesn't feel out of place.  And it has some good advice for youths trying to figure out their place in this world. 

Chemical Hearts is an emotional coming of age drama with great performances by their leads and a story about loss, growth, and finding your place in this world.  

Rent it.

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