You are here:

Chemical Hearts

Name: Chemical Hearts
Director: Richard Tanne
Released: 2020
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2020

Director

Richard Tanne

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Chemical Hearts relies on well-worn young adult romance clichés, focusing on a straightforward heterosexual relationship. The film’s standout feature is its handling of gender dynamics, where Henry’s emotional openness and Grace’s assertive ability to act challenge traditional teenage hierarchies. Their relationship is driven by shared journalistic goals and authentic conversations that feel organic and not forced. The film’s portrayal of Grace’s disability is particularly noteworthy. Her cane and limp are part of her character without turning her into a stereotype or inspirational figure. Her physicality informs her guarded nature, allowing her to maintain consistent ability to act throughout the story. However, the film avoids broader cultural or racial discussions. Set in 1987, it focuses on personal growth and first love, maintaining a comfortable narrative but limiting its broader social relevance.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Chemical Hearts have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on a typical heterosexual romance without including any LGBTQ characters or themes. This traditional approach keeps the story within the bounds of mainstream teenage dramas.

How does Chemical Hearts portray gender?

Good

Henry expresses emotional vulnerability, while Grace actively drives their relationship. Their interactions pass the Bechdel test through meaningful conversations about journalism and personal growth.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Chemical Hearts?

Fair

The main cast is predominantly white, with limited diversity in supporting roles. These characters do not challenge the central narrative or explore multiple aspects of identity.

How does Chemical Hearts represent religion and culture?

Fair

Set in 1987, the film emphasizes individual emotional development over broader societal critiques. Western institutions and family structures provide a stable backdrop for a conventional coming-of-age story.

Does Chemical Hearts include disability representation?

Good

Grace’s use of a cane and her limp are integrated naturally into her character without reducing her to a stereotype or inspirational plot device.

Present on Screen

Grace’s disability is integrated naturally into her personality without relying on inspirational clichés.
Henry’s emotional vulnerability and Grace’s relational ability to act disrupt traditional adolescent gender hierarchies.
Female characters have substantive, independent conversations about journalism and personal feelings.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks LGBTQ representation, staying within a traditional heterosexual framework.
Supporting characters of color do not challenge the central plot or explore multiple aspects of identity.
The film avoids systemic critiques, prioritizing personal romance over broader cultural or racial dynamics.

Official Synopsis

When a hopelessly romantic high school senior falls for a mysterious new classmate, it sets them both on an unexpected journey that teaches them about love, loss, and most importantly themselves.

How are these scores produced? →