Watch The Violent Heart

The Violent Heart is a 2020 dramatic thriller directed by Kerem Sanga, known for his work on First Girl I Loved (2016) and The Young Kieslowski (2014). The film stars Jovan Adepo as Daniel, a young man grappling with his traumatic past, and Grace Van Patten as Cassie, a college student who falls in love with him. Daniel is a troubled young man who lost his mother as a child and was raised by his grandfather and his aunt, both of whom died when he was a teenager. His only remaining family member is his older brother, Lee (played by Lou Diamond Phillips), who has always been overprotective of him. Daniel also struggles with the memory of his father, who went to prison for a crime he didn't commit.

Cassie is a bright and ambitious college student who dreams of becoming a writer. She meets Daniel at a party and is immediately drawn to him, despite his enigmatic and brooding demeanor. After they share a passionate night together, Cassie follows Daniel back to his hometown in North Carolina, where she discovers his troubled past and tries to help him confront his demons.

As their relationship deepens, Daniel and Cassie face increasingly difficult challenges. They must navigate the complicated dynamics of Daniel's dysfunctional family, as well as the suspicions of the local police, who are investigating a series of violent crimes in the area. Meanwhile, Daniel's own guilt and trauma threaten to undermine his relationship with Cassie, who struggles to reconcile her love for him with her own doubts and fears.

The Violent Heart is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The performances by Jovan Adepo and Grace Van Patten are both captivating and nuanced, as they bring depth and complexity to their characters. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the film's most touching and heartfelt moments.

Lukas Haas delivers a strong supporting performance as Daniel's childhood friend, who also struggles with his own demons. Lou Diamond Phillips is also impressive as Lee, bringing a sense of gravitas and wisdom to his role. The film's cinematography, by Alexandre Naufel, captures the beauty and melancholy of the North Carolina landscape, as well as the intensity and intimacy of the characters' emotions.

Overall, The Violent Heart is a thoughtful and engaging film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which we can find hope and healing in the midst of our darkest moments. It is a must-see for fans of independent cinema and anyone who appreciates a good love story.

The Violent Heart is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 50.