Heartbeats

Heartbeats

Year: 2011

Language: english

DramaRomance

Francis and Marie, close friends, find their bond tested when Nicolas arrives, sparking intense feelings in both. As they grapple with their desires for him, their friendship is challenged, leading to a poignant exploration of love, longing, and heartbreak. The film examines the complexities of attraction and the pain of unrequited feelings, portraying a raw and emotional journey.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Heartbeats (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Heartbeats (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

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.

Location

Dinner party, Vietnamese restaurant, Theater, Nicolas's aunt's vacation home, Party

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.

🎭 Social settings 🍽️ Dining scenes 🏠 Vacation home 🎬 Film-like clashes

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:25

Main Characters – Heartbeats (2011)

Meet the key characters of Heartbeats (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Francis (actor unknown)

Francis is sensitive and introspective, quickly consumed by his feelings for Nicolas. He experiences jealousy and longing, often acting from a place of vulnerability. His actions drive the early romantic tension and reveal how far he is willing to go for closeness.

💖 Romantic longing 🧠 Intense 😢 Vulnerable

Marie (actor unknown)

Marie is witty and perceptive, navigating her affection for Nicolas while maintaining a close friendship with Francis. She feels torn between desire and loyalty, and uses humor and wit to mask her deeper insecurities. Her choices fuel the shifting dynamics of the trio.

💬 Witty 💘 Romantic 🧭 Conflicted

Nicolas (actor unknown)

Nicolas is charming and elusive, the focal point of the trio's attention. He flirts with ambiguity, expressing love while testing boundaries, which leaves Francis and Marie unsure of his true intentions. His actions catalyze the couple's evolving relationship and its ultimate rift.

💘 Charismatic 🌀 Ambiguous 🕊️ Noncommittal

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:25

Major Themes – Heartbeats (2011)

Explore the central themes of Heartbeats (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 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.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:25

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Unlock the Full Story of Heartbeats

Don't stop at just watching — explore Heartbeats in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Heartbeats is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Heartbeats Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Heartbeats, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Heartbeats Summary

Heartbeats Timeline

Track the full timeline of Heartbeats with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Heartbeats Timeline

Heartbeats Spoiler-Free Summary

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Heartbeats Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Heartbeats

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Heartbeats: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Heartbeats