Every so often, a film comes along which has the ability to continue haunting your thoughts long after it is over. Jonathan Cuartas’ feature debut My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To, which recently screened at Tribeca Film Fest, is undoubtedly one of those films.
Adult siblings Dwight (Patrick Fugit) and Jessie (Ingrid Sophie Schram) are caregivers for their younger brother Thomas (Owen Campbell). Plagued with some type of vampirism, Thomas is sickly and frail, living off of human blood and unable to go into the sun. As a result, the siblings must find and murder people who won’t be missed in order to feed their brother. This extreme and sad existence takes a toll on Dwight most of all, and their family begins to unravel.
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While we have seen versions of this storyline play out before (Let the Right One In comes immediately to mind), My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To doesn’t outright scream “vampire,” treating it more like an actual medical condition. There is no backstory provided, as the viewer is immediately thrown into this situation as it is moving forward. Both of these key elements work for the film, giving it a uniquely original feel while exploring a familiar theme of “how far is too far for those you love?”
The strong performances across the board will grasp viewers’ attention almost immediately, putting, and leaving, one on edge as the story plays out. Patrick Fugit is an incredible actor who always delivers, and his performance as Dwight is no exception. Fugit’s subdued demeanor makes for an empathetic character even when forced to commit horrible crimes.
My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To is a slow-burn when it comes to violence, staying in the drama genre more than horror/thriller. The tense atmosphere doesn’t allow for a happy moment or humor, as if a dark cloud lingers over the film and refuses to break. That heaviness is only amplified by the use of brown hues, quiet scenes, and gritty locations. This works well in the film’s favor, driving home the bleakness and desperation. A shower and comedy chaser is strongly recommended.
My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To will be in select theaters and on VOD starting June 25th, via Dark Sky Films.
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