Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Hearts Beat Loud

film

Hearts Beat Loud

2018

In the hip Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, single dad and record store owner Frank is preparing to send his hard-working daughter Sam off to college while being forced to close his vintage shop. Hoping to stay connected through their shared musical passions, Frank urges Sam to turn their weekly jam sessions into a father-daughter live act. After their first song becomes an internet breakout, the two embark on a journey of love, growing up and musical discovery.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to teens because of grief over a parent's accidental death, emotionally intense family conflict, adult drinking, relationship themes, and the complexity of leaving home and pursuing independence. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters3/5
  • Romance3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Record-store commerce, Spotify, and a potential café are story elements rather than a push to buy products.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The mother's death in a past accident is a recurring emotional theme.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity consistent with a PG-13 rating.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's daughter has a girlfriend, which is a key aspect of her personal narrative.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Features a realistic, central teen relationship and mild romantic subplots for adults.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minor, non-explicit romantic interaction.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Adults drink together in the final scene; no drug use or substance-centered storyline is indicated.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face grief, financial uncertainty, difficult choices, and major life changes with increasing honesty and resilience.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Music creation and discovery are at the very heart of the film's narrative.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Includes an interracial queer relationship and diverse representation of characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Touches on the creative process and the realities of small business ownership.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of empathy and mutual support are central to the characters' arcs.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the importance of communication, respecting personal boundaries, and letting go.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed but generally supportive and strive to grow through conflict.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in Hearts Beat Loud would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Hearts Beat Loud, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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