Chemical Hearts

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 21, 2020

Genre
Romance, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Lili Reinhart as Grace Town
• Austin Abrams as Henry Page
• Sarah Jones as Suds
• Bruce Altman as Toby Page
• Kara Young as La
• Coral Peña as Cora
• C.J. Hoff as Muz

Director
Richard Tanne

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Southside with You (2016)

Producer

• Richard Tanne
• Lili Reinhart
• Jamin O’Brien
• Alex Saks

Writer

• Richard Tanne (screenplay)
• Krystal Sutherland (novel “Our Chemical Hearts”)

Budget
Estimated $9 million

Production Company

• Page Fifty-Four Pictures
• Amazon Studios

Running Time
93 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Themes of grief and trauma
• Mild language
• Teen romance
• Emotional distress

Movie Story
“Chemical Hearts” is a poignant coming-of-age drama centered on Henry Page (Austin Abrams), a high school senior who considers himself a hopeless romantic despite never having been in love. His life takes a turn when he meets the enigmatic Grace Town (Lili Reinhart), a new student with a mysterious past. Grace, who walks with a limp and dresses in baggy clothes, is reluctant to open up but eventually forms a connection with Henry.

As the two become closer, Henry learns that Grace is still mourning the loss of her boyfriend from a tragic accident. The film explores the complexities of young love, grief, and healing as Henry becomes more deeply involved in Grace’s world. Their relationship is marked by emotional highs and lows, with Henry struggling to understand Grace’s pain and Grace grappling with her inability to move on.

“Chemical Hearts” delves into the bittersweet nature of first love and the challenges of dealing with trauma at a young age. The film portrays the idea that love can be both beautiful and painful, and that healing is a personal journey that doesn’t always involve others. Lili Reinhart delivers a powerful performance as Grace, capturing the character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil, while Austin Abrams brings a quiet sensitivity to the role of Henry.

The narrative is contemplative and introspective, focusing on the inner lives of the characters and their emotional struggles. Through its exploration of teenage heartbreak and the process of self-discovery, “Chemical Hearts” offers a reflective take on the universal experiences of love and loss.

Special Effects
“Chemical Hearts” is a character-driven film that relies more on its emotional narrative than on special effects. The film’s visuals are simple yet effective, with a focus on natural lighting and close-up shots that emphasize the characters’ emotions. The cinematography complements the film’s introspective tone, using soft, warm hues to create a mood that is both nostalgic and melancholic.

Box Office Performance
As an Amazon Original film, “Chemical Hearts” was released directly on the streaming platform, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. The film found an audience online, particularly among fans of young adult dramas, and received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances but some criticism for its pacing and tone.

Filming Locations

• New Jersey, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’ve never been in love until you’ve felt pain.” – Henry Page
• “I used to be someone, Henry. I was her.” – Grace Town
• “We’re all just heartbreak and chemicals.” – Henry Page

Behind-the-Scenes
“Chemical Hearts” is based on the novel “Our Chemical Hearts” by Krystal Sutherland. Lili Reinhart, who stars as Grace Town, also served as an executive producer on the film, bringing her personal touch to the project. The film was shot in New Jersey, with a focus on capturing the authentic feel of suburban high school life. Director Richard Tanne sought to create a film that was emotionally resonant and true to the experiences of teenagers navigating love and loss.

Awards
While “Chemical Hearts” did not receive major awards, it was recognized for its performances, particularly Lili Reinhart’s portrayal of Grace, and for its sensitive handling of difficult themes.

Final Verdict
“Chemical Hearts” is a thoughtful and emotionally charged drama that explores the complexities of young love and the scars left by trauma. While the film’s pacing may be slow for some, its introspective approach and strong performances make it a compelling watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories. Lili Reinhart’s portrayal of a grieving teen is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and nuance to the film’s exploration of love and loss.

IMDb Rating
6.2/10