Heartbeats review

Stylish if shallow tale of a trio of young and hip French friends who get a bit too close...

Why you can trust 12DOVE Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Ménage à trois films always sound better in French, be they Jules Et Jim’s fated threesome or the goodlooking trio in Xavier Dolan’s romance.

The Québécois filmmaker plays one corner of the triangle, who’s as besotted with new kid Nicolas (Niels Schneider) as his best pal Marie (Monia Chokri).

The object of their affection is more tease than squeeze, keeping his preferences to himself as the friendship sours.

Sumptuously photographed and elegantly stylised, Heartbeats’ exterior is as seductive as Schneider’s R-Pattzalike. Dig beneath the surface, though, and there ain’t much there.

Freelance Writer

Neil Smith is a freelance film critic who has written for several publications, including Total Film. His bylines can be found at the BBC, Film 4 Independent, Uncut Magazine, SFX, Heat Magazine, Popcorn, and more.