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Chemical Hearts 2020

A budding writer, Henry Page, expects a predictable senior year until an intriguing transfer student, Grace Town, arrives. Drawn to her mystery, he finds himself falling for Grace as they work together on the school newspaper. However, Henry doesn't realize that Grace is harboring a significant secret that will profoundly impact both of their lives and challenge his understanding of love.

A budding writer, Henry Page, expects a predictable senior year until an intriguing transfer student, Grace Town, arrives. Drawn to her mystery, he finds himself falling for Grace as they work together on the school newspaper. However, Henry doesn't realize that Grace is harboring a significant secret that will profoundly impact both of their lives and challenge his understanding of love.

Does Chemical Hearts have end credit scenes?

No!

Chemical Hearts does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Chemical Hearts

Explore the complete cast of Chemical Hearts, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Chemical Hearts

See how Chemical Hearts is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Chemical Hearts stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

70

Chemical Hearts exhibits heartfelt performances and a sincere exploration of adolescent grief, though its narrative sometimes feels uneven and overly earnest. Reviews highlighted the film’s emotional honesty and character immersion, praising its straight-forward treatment of teenage heartbreak and the depth of its lead performances. However, critics pointed to moments of contrived symbolism and sluggish pacing that undermine its impact. Overall, the film leaves a moderately positive impression, offering genuine emotional resonance despite occasional structural shortcomings.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Chemical Hearts

65
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates a restrained yet cohesive visual style with an understated color palette that underscores its melancholic tone. Editing maintains clarity through its subdued pacing, while production design and cinematography reinforce the high-school setting. Although generally competent, occasional heavy-handed symbolism undermines moments of visual subtlety.

90
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the central performances deliver nuanced and heartfelt portrayals that capture teenage vulnerability. The leads convey depth through quiet exchanges and authentic chemistry, drawing viewers into their evolving bond. Emotional resonance remains a core strength, with the film’s earnest depiction of heartbreak leaving a lasting impression.

60
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, Chemical Hearts offers an imperfect but sincere narrative that resonates with youthful uncertainty. While its portrayal of teenage grief possesses emotional weight, the pacing can feel uneven and the symbolism heavy-handed at times. Overall, the plot maintains engagement through its intimate moments despite occasional structural lapses.

70
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When evaluating the sensory experience, the film’s atmospheric sound design and subtle soundtrack enhance its reflective mood. Visual cohesion emerges through deliberate framing and muted hues, creating an immersive viewing environment. Occasional tonal inconsistencies slightly diminish the impact, yet the overall sensory presentation remains compelling.

50
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Regarding rewatch potential, the film offers moments of genuine emotional insight that may reward repeat viewings, particularly in its lead performances. However, the story’s uneven pacing and occasional heavy symbolism limit its lasting appeal. While certain scenes invite reflection, the overall replay value is moderate rather than robust.

Metacritic

57

Metascore

8.9

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

60%

TOMATOMETER

review

68%

User Score

IMDb

6.3 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

73

%

User Score

Letterboxd

2.5

From 154 fan ratings

Movie Insider

0.00/5

Take the Ultimate Chemical Hearts Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Chemical Hearts with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Chemical Hearts Quiz: Test your knowledge about the emotional journey and character dynamics in 'Chemical Hearts'.

Who is the protagonist of Chemical Hearts?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Chemical Hearts

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Read the complete plot summary of Chemical Hearts, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In a heartfelt voice-over, Henry Page (Austin Abrams), a diligent high school senior with aspirations of becoming a writer, shares his relatively normal life. He hopes to become the editor of the school newspaper but is taken aback when the principal, Mr. Sharma (Adhir Kalyan), introduces him to a new transfer student, Grace Town (Lili Reinhart), who uses a cane. The principal believes that the two talented writers would make an excellent editorial duo; however, Grace dismisses the idea and leaves.

After the awkward meeting, Henry misses his bus. Grace, surprisingly generous, offers him a ride home and admits her reluctance to drive, allowing Henry to take the wheel. During the ride, she hands him a book of Neruda poems and remarks on his family’s luxurious house compared to her own modest living situation. At home, his family—his older sister Suds (Sarah Jones), his father Toby (Bruce Altman), and his mother Gloria (Meg Gibson)—celebrates his appointment as editor.

Mr. Sharma later informs Henry that Grace has changed her mind and will now join the newspaper team, although she insists on accepting only the assistant editor position. As they brainstorm themes for their final issue, Grace reveals her intention not to write but to edit. Henry’s fascination with Grace deepens when they bond over poetry, but he continues to miss his bus, leading to another car ride home together. Grace ultimately walks back to her place, followed by Henry, who notices someone picking up her car—a man.

As the two hang out more frequently, Grace takes Henry to a secluded cotton mill, where she opens up about her past, sharing details of her recovery after a tragic car accident. Grace reveals that she was previously in a relationship with Dominic Sawyer, who tragically died in the same wreck that left her injured. As Henry tries to support her, he discovers more about her tragic past, leading to a mix of emotions.

Their relationship becomes complicated as Grace struggles with her feelings for Dominic while also developing a connection with Henry. After a Halloween party, during which they share intimate moments, Grace’s past resurfaces—catalyzed by a song that reminds her of Dominic, prompting her to run away in distress. As they navigate through their shared pain, Henry encourages her to confront her feelings, leading to a deeper exploration of their relationship.

However, a turn of events unfolds when Henry learns more about Grace’s living situation with Dominic’s family, which complicates his feelings even further. Torn between wanting to help Grace move forward and feeling hurt by her connection to her past, Henry seeks comfort from his sister Suds. He gradually understands that these feelings of heartbreak and withdrawal are part of the healing process.

The climax arrives when Henry learns from Martin, a family friend, that Grace is missing. He finds her at their secret pond, distraught and reminiscing about the accident. In this emotionally charged moment, they both confront their pain, leading Grace to let go of her past by surrendering some of Dominic’s possessions into the water.

As the school year progresses, Grace steps back from the newspaper to focus on her healing, while Henry reflects on his experiences as a teenager. Their paths diverge but not without promise; as they discuss their futures, Grace shares her plan for a year of therapy, and Henry is heading to college. Their goodbye is tender, filled with hope and understanding, encapsulating their journey through grief, growth, and resilience. Ultimately, Henry discovers a profound message in Grace’s poem, symbolizing their intertwined yet individual journeys. As he leaves school on the last day, missing the bus once more, he finds comfort in the companionship of his friends, signifying that while their paths may diverge, the connections they forged will forever shape them.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Chemical Hearts

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Chemical Hearts. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Clip

Cars Featured in Chemical Hearts

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Explore all cars featured in Chemical Hearts, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Audi

2003

A4 Cabriolet B6

Chevrolet

1998

Prizm

Ford

2011

F-150

Honda

1999

Accord Coupe

IC

CE

Jeep

1997

Cherokee

Jeep

Wrangler

Nissan

2016

Altima

Subaru

Outback

Toyota

1984

Celica Supra Mk.II

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


schoolhigh schoolknee injurycar accidentschool newspaperwriterhalloweenhalloween partyhalloween costumekoi fishcotton millkintsukuroifemale female kisskisssex scenemale virginsmoking marijuanacondomdancingdriving a carshrinealcoholic motherdopamineoxytocinstress hormoneswithdrawalmother daughter estrangementbrother sister relationshipchemical reactiontaking time offreference to bennington vermontreference to pablo nerudadeath of boyfriendmourningboyfriend girlfriend relationship

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