Year: 2017
Runtime: 86 mins
Language: English
Director: Chris Sivertson
Sam Maddox, a girl struggling with her father's suicide, has a reputation at her high school. She begins a relationship with Henry Sinclair, a brilliant student headed to MIT. Despite their differences, they are drawn to each other, but Sam is unaware that Henry is consumed by a dangerous romantic obsession. As their relationship intensifies, Henry’s fixation escalates, and he’s willing to do anything to protect his romance, even resorting to violence against anyone who threatens it.
Get a spoiler-free look at Heartthrob (2017) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the quiet suburbs surrounding a bustling high school, Sam Maddox carries the weight of a recent family tragedy—her father’s suicide—while navigating the sharp-edged reputation that follows her through the halls. The film opens on a world where teenage expectations collide with personal grief, and the atmosphere crackles with a mixture of raw vulnerability and the restless energy of youth. Sam’s exterior, hardened by gossip and judgment, masks a yearning for genuine connection that lies just beneath the surface of her everyday routine.
Enter Henry Sinclair, the shy valedictorian whose future seems already charted toward the prestigious corridors of MIT. His world is defined by academic rigor and the quiet pressure of a mother who has long envisioned his success. When Henry first crosses paths with Sam, their initial clash feels like a sharp debate between two very different perspectives on identity and perception. Yet a tentative apology and an unexpectedly kind gesture begin to bridge the gap, hinting at a bond that could transform both of their lives.
As their relationship deepens, the film settles into a tone that blends tender intimacy with an undercurrent of unease. The chemistry between Sam and Henry is both bright and fragile, suggesting that what starts as a hopeful romance may soon be tested by the insecurities each carries from their pasts. The story invites viewers to wonder how far two people will go to protect a connection that feels essential, while the suburban backdrop and the looming pressures of future ambitions create a palpable sense of tension. Within this delicate dance of affection and obsession, the narrative promises a compelling exploration of love’s capacity to both heal and destabilize.
Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:52
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where a tender romance curdles into a dangerous, all-consuming fixation.This section features movies similar to Heartthrob, focusing on psychological thrillers and dark romances that deal with toxic relationships and obsessive love. If you were captivated by the story of a romance turning dangerous, these stories of love's dark side and escalating control will resonate with you.
These narratives typically follow a linear but devastating path, beginning with an intense, seemingly perfect connection. As the relationship deepens, cracks appear in the form of jealousy and control, escalating into full-blown psychological manipulation and violence. The story's power lies in the stark contrast between the idealized beginning and the horrific reality of its conclusion, charting a character's irreversible descent.
Movies are grouped here based on their shared exploration of a specific romantic nightmare: love as a cage. They create a consistent mood of unease and claustrophobia, driven by a steady pacing that builds tension relentlessly towards a heavy, often tragic, emotional payoff.
Stories that end with a heavy mix of loss and the painful clarity of survival.If you appreciated the bittersweet and melancholic ending of Heartthrob, this collection is for you. Discover movies that share a similar emotional weight, where characters endure heavy trauma and emerge forever changed, carrying a mix of sadness and reflective nostalgia in stories of grief, survival, and loss.
The narrative pattern often involves a journey through a devastating central conflict—such as violence, death, or a mental health crisis—that irrevocably alters the protagonist's world. The climax is not about a clean resolution but about surviving the fallout. The ending focuses on the emotional state of the survivor, acknowledging the pain while sometimes allowing a glimmer of hard-won perspective or memory.
These films are united by their dominant emotional tone: a poignant, bittersweet feeling that follows intense drama or thriller plots. They balance heavy themes like grief and tragedy with a pacing that allows for melancholic reflection, creating a profoundly moving and thoughtful viewing experience.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Heartthrob 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 Heartthrob is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Heartthrob, 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.
Track the full timeline of Heartthrob with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Heartthrob. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Heartthrob: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Heartthrob that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Heartthrob (2017) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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