Heartbeats

Set in present day, the narrative unfolds over weeks in a contemporary social milieu. It delves into modern dating norms and ambiguous sexuality as two friends navigate their feelings for a shared confidant. The timeline spans from initial dinners to a decisive moment at a trip and a final party where tensions resurface.

The story unfolds across several intimate settings—the dinner party where the trio first meets, a Vietnamese restaurant, a theater, and a vacation home belonging to Nicolas's aunt. These locations serve as social stages where longing, jealousy, and rivalry play out. The recurring settings emphasize how ordinary spaces become arenas for emotion and social performance.

💞 Love Triangle

The narrative centers on a love triangle among Francis, Marie, and Nicolas. Initial performances of disinterest give way to hidden desires that blur friendship with romance. Jealousy and competition over Nicolas's affections shape their interactions and choices. The film tracks how affection shifts from friendship to romantic obsession, testing loyalty.

🎭 Performance and Illusion

The trio constantly perform roles—feigning casualness about Nicolas, playing with romantic signals, and misdirecting feelings through miscommunication (including a misdirected letter). The film uses shared beds, social gestures, and ritual gifts to explore how performance can mask true attraction. The illusion cracks as genuine emotions surface.

🔥 Jealousy

Jealousy threads through their interactions: Francis and Marie compete for Nicolas's attention; scenes in theaters and at the vacation home reveal the sting of perceived rivals and the insecurity of unreciprocated love. The characters wrestle with whether their bond with Nicolas is friendship or something more. Tensions peak as Nicolas's responses expose conflicting desires.