Heartbeats (2010)

Think back to your late teens/early twenties. Remember the excitement, frustration, uncertainty, how deeply you loved, how deeply you hurt. Even colors seemed brighter. This film captures these sensations perfectly. Written, produced, directed and starring 21-year-old French Canadian wunderkind Xavier Dolan. It concerns a male/female friendship (Dolan and Monia Chokri) that starts to unravel when they fall in love with the same man (the serenely arrogant Niels Schneider). The object of their affections proceeds to baffle and lead them both on, and a subtle battle ensues as to which of them will bag this Adonis. For a director of Dolan's age, he shows astounding assurance and restraint. He avoids the pitfall that most, if not all directors in their early twenties fall victim to: the need to show off. Yes, there is some cinematic artiness, but it's never unnecessary, he knows what he's doing...there's always a point to it. It looks gorgeous, full of saturated colors and beautiful compositions, and the script is smart and heartfelt. On top of all that, he's an excellent actor (Monia Chokri is easily as good). This film swoons, it's so in love with love. There were many moments where I saw myself at that age, and I'm sure most hopeless romantics will see themselves as well.