My Take:
Henry Page is a hopeless romantic waiting for that one great love. When Grace Town (Lili Reinhart) joins the school newspaper staff, Henry is immediately smitten. But Grace isn't your typical "girl next door." She walks with a cane, wears oversized men's clothes, and carries a weight of grief that is almost palpable. The film beautifully portrays Henry’s attempt to "fix" Grace, failing to realize that some people don't want to be fixed—they just want to be understood in their sadness. It’s a story about how first love often isn't the last, but the one that teaches us the most about ourselves.
What's Captivating: The aesthetic and emotional maturity. The film is visually stunning—from the color palette to shots that look like a vintage Tumblr feed. Lili Reinhart is phenomenal here; her performance is understated yet gut-wrenching. Also, the subplot featuring Henry’s sister and her female partner is handled with natural grace, offering a lovely queer element in the background.
A Word of Caution: This is not a "feel-good movie." It’s a study of trauma, grief, and how brain chemistry can distort our perception of reality. If you’re looking for a Disney-style happy ending, prepare for something much more realistic and painful.
Verdict: 7.8/10 🧪📖💔
Deep, sad, and incredibly honest. Perfect for fans of "Euphoria" (light version) or "13 Reasons Why".
🔍 Did you know...?
The film is an adaptation of Krystal Sutherland's novel Our Chemical Hearts. Lili Reinhart served as both the lead actress and an executive producer—she fought to ensure the story wasn't "sugarcoated" and retained the raw edge of the book. Interestingly, director Richard Tanne chose to shoot on 35mm film, giving the movie a grainy, nostalgic texture that is rare in modern YA productions.
