‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’ Review: The Best Rom-Com of 2020
Ever seen a film that makes you feel like you understand yourself better? That describes my feelings for The Broken Hearts Gallery, a film that feels so personal – even though I never heard of it a week before I signed up for the virtual media screening. There are no big names in this one. But what there is, is a dose of comedy, realism, and heart for every millennial female out there.
The Broken Hearts Gallery tells the story of Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, Max, Lucy is inspired to create The Broken Heart Gallery, a pop-up space for the items love has left behind. Word of the gallery spreads, encouraging a movement and a fresh start for all the romantics out there, including Lucy herself. Oh, and there may be a far healthier relationship on the horizon with her new friend Nick (Dacre Montgomery), who has far more in common with her than she realizes.
Take a look at the trailer below.
The Broken Hearts Gallery Trailer:
The Broken Hearts Gallery Review: What Did I Like and Not Like
Rarely does a film resonate so deeply with me as this one did. I absolutely loved everything about this movie. And not only did I love it, I felt like I understood myself better after watching it… like the writers of this film knew me on a deeper level than I knew myself. Where to start… on the surface, this is a rom-com. It’s a chick-flick. But it runs a lot deeper than that.
Brace yourselves, we’re taking a detour for a moment, and I’m getting super personal with why I loved this movie… I’m 36. I didn’t meet my husband until I was 32. When I met him, he was nothing more than a friend of a friend – as I was engaged to someone else, a person never really saw me. That guy never made me feel special or seen (much like Lucy’s Max in the film). He only wanted me around when I made him look good or I was paying his rent, not because he actually cared about me, who I was, or what I cared about. It took me longer than it should to realize this – as it does with most girls. When he and I split, I found myself in a few rebound relationships… None of them healthy. But what I also found was a strong friendship with a guy, my future husband. I seemed to connect with him more than anyone I’d ever connected with before. We both had painful stories of “love” and personal journies that life had taken us on, and we shared this with each other. Eight months later, I texted him asking him out on a first date. He was my person. It just took me a minute to see it.
Long story short, I relate to Lucy on a personal level. Not just because I had given my all in previous relationships as she did (and never had it returned), but also because her character is the most realistic representation of a girl in her 20’s (or 30’s) I’ve ever seen on screen. She’s not a tall and skinny blond who could easily have a career walking the runway for Marc Jacobs. She’s a girl with curves, a diverse background, educated but still with a lot to learn (and willing to admit it), and deeply passionate about what she wants to do with life. She’s incredibly emotionally in ways (that on the surface) seem immensely unattractive. But the reality is, every girl knows Lucy or has been Lucy. And it was a breath of fresh air to watch a movie about her, instead of her perfect best friend.
Geraldine Viswanathan is brilliant as Lucy, and the supporting cast couldn’t be a better fit for their parts. The script is fantastic, but what really stands out is the actual dialog and mannerisms of each character. They paint a series of moments for the viewer that’s easy to get lost in – you forget you’re watching a film. And when it’s all over, all you want is a TV series to be announced so you can continue to have these characters as a part of your life.
In summary, what did I love about this movie? Everything. Freaking everything.
Overview
The Broken Hearts Gallery is exactly what I’ve needed from a film in 2020. It’s hands down the best rom-com of the year (and yes, I feel confident in saying that in September), but it’s also the best rom-com of recent times. This film has the innocence and heart of 2017’s Lady Bird and 2018’s Eight-Grade combined with what HBO’s Girls tried (and in my opinion, failed) to do. It’s a real look at being a female in today’s world – and trying to find yourself. And that deserves to be seen and celebrated.
The Broken Hearts Gallery opens in theaters today, September 11. If you don’t feel comfortable venturing back into theaters yet, keep this one on your must-see list for when it comes to DVD and Digital – it’s a must-see for millennial females.
The Broken Hearts Gallery Review:
Grade: A+
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