Podcast | ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ Episode Recap

The independent film Hearts Beat Loud is a character-driven story about a father and daughter who form a "Not A Band" band. Directed by Brett Haley, the film is an emotionally rich experience praised for its natural performances and a powerful musical narrative that drives the plot forward.

Music is central to the film, acting as a special language and a non-verbal means of communication between father and daughter with each of them writing their own songs. The music keeps the plot moving, and helping to drive the emotional, silent moments.

• Scoring and Songs: The synth score by Keegan is described as beautiful and conveying more emotion than dialogue. Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons perform the original songs live, which adds to the film's authenticity. The musical aspect requires the songs to not only enhance the story but also be genuinely catchy, succeeding to the point where the film is almost considered a musical.
• Inspiration: The movie originated from Keegan’s pre-existing singer-songwriter track, also titled "Hearts Beat Loud," which director Brett Haley heard. Only two songs, "Blink" and "Everything Must Go," were written specifically for the film.

The story revolves around Frank Fisher (Nick Offerman), an unhappy record shop owner whose life is falling apart as his daughter, Sam Fisher (Kiersey Clemons), prepares to leave for premed/college.

Frank’s financial struggles are introduced immediately in the opening 60 seconds, establishing that his niche record shop is in trouble. He is also dealing with his mother, Marianne Fisher (Blythe Danner), who suffers from a memory-impairment condition. Frank’s dream to start a band is a selfish, desperate attempt to hold onto his daughter and reconnect with his own happiness, going so far as making unauthorized and costly investments in recording gear. His self-interest even extends to uploading a song they wrote together to Spotify without Sam's permission.

Throughout much of the film, Sam is the responsible grownup, and Frank is the emotional kid. This dynamic shifts at the film's climax — the in-store concert — when Frank is forced to become the adult.

The hosts praised the script, co-written by Brett Haley and Mark Bash, for not spoon-feeding the audience with exposition. Details, such as the fact that the mother, Danielle Fisher, died in a bicycle accident, are revealed subtly and well into the movie, building viewer engagement and curiosity.

Both father and daughter are at a point of self-reinvention: she is starting off in adulting by going to college, and he is redefining himself without being a primary dad and record store owner.

The film features fantastic performances from a robust cast:

• Nick Offerman delivers a surprisingly powerful dramatic performance that also incorporates his characteristic dry humor. He proved to be an accomplished musician, playing drums and guitar live in the film.
• Kiersey Clemons is recognized for her natural performance and impressive voice talent.
• Toni Collette plays the landlord, whose confusing non-dating relationship with Frank is an interesting character arc.
• Ted Danson appears as a bartender in a "super meta" supporting role. He plays a former Broadway actor, and the playbill hanging above the bar references a show that Danson himself actually performed in 1973, in which he also played a bartender.

The film has been highly praised by audiences and critics alike, earning 11 nominations and 3 wins in the independent film world.

Episode Beverage Pairing

Ingredients

• 3 ounces bourbon
• ½ ounce clear honey or agave
• 1 ounce maraschino liqueur
• 3 dashes chocolate bitters
• 2 ounces cola
• 2 ounces chocolate wine

Served in individual glasses over ice.