In a Heartbeat

"In a Heartbeat" is a short animated film that tells the story of Sherwin, a shy, ginger-haired boy who harbors a secret crush on Jonathan, the most popular boy in school. As Sherwin secretly watches Jonathan, his own heart begins to beat uncontrollably and literally leaps out of his chest. The personified heart then playfully and relentlessly pursues Jonathan, much to Sherwin's frantic embarrassment.

Sherwin desperately tries to reign in his runaway heart, leading to a series of comical and awkward encounters with a bewildered Jonathan. The chase culminates in a moment of public exposure that forces both boys to confront the revealed feelings. The film, which is entirely dialogue-free, relies on its expressive animation and emotional musical score to convey its narrative of love, fear, and acceptance.

The central message of "In a Heartbeat" is a simple yet profound statement that love is a natural, uncontrollable force that transcends gender and societal norms. The directors, Beth David and Esteban Bravo, wanted to portray a story that felt personal and honest, ultimately creating a narrative they wished they had seen when they were younger. The film normalizes LGBTQ+ affection, presenting it with an innocence and sweetness often missing from mainstream media portrayals. By having Sherwin's heart physically leap out of his body to chase his crush, the film powerfully illustrates the idea that one cannot control who they love. It's a message of self-acceptance and the courage to be true to one's feelings, even in the face of potential judgment.

While the film's primary interpretation is a straightforward story of a boy's crush on another boy, some viewers have offered slightly different readings. One perspective is that the entire film is a metaphor for the internal struggle of coming out. In this view, Sherwin is not just fighting his heart, but his own internalized homophobia and fear. Jonathan's acceptance at the end is not just the acceptance of a crush, but Sherwin's own self-acceptance. The external events of the film could be seen as a visual representation of the tumultuous emotional journey of acknowledging one's own identity.

Another interpretation focuses less on the LGBTQ+ aspect and more on the universal experience of social anxiety. Sherwin's fear could be read as the intense anxiety anyone feels when they have a secret they are terrified of revealing, whether it be a crush, a personal struggle, or a unique interest. The heart represents any passionate part of oneself that feels 'different' and the fear of being judged for it by peers. The resolution, in this light, is a broader message about finding the courage to be vulnerable and discovering that acceptance is possible.

"In a Heartbeat" made a significant cultural impact upon its release in 2017, arriving at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream animation, particularly for younger audiences, was scarce. As a crowdfunded student film that went viral, it demonstrated a powerful public appetite for diverse stories that major animation studios were not yet fulfilling. The film was praised by critics and audiences for its sweet, simple, and emotionally resonant storytelling, which normalized a same-sex crush with a level of innocence and universality that was groundbreaking.

Its success sparked widespread discussion about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in media for young people, showing that such stories could be both widely appealing and deeply meaningful. Many viewers, both young and old, shared personal stories of how the film resonated with their own experiences, with some stating it gave them the courage to come out. The film's overwhelming popularity on platforms like YouTube and the subsequent creation of fan art and reaction videos cemented its place in pop culture as a touchstone moment for queer animation. It was shortlisted for an Academy Award, further legitimizing its artistic and social merit, and is often cited as a trailblazer that helped pave the way for more explicit LGBTQ+ themes in subsequent animated works.

Audience reception for "In a Heartbeat" was overwhelmingly positive. Upon its release on YouTube, it became a viral sensation, accumulating tens of millions of views and an outpouring of support. Viewers widely praised its beautiful and expressive animation, the touching and emotional musical score, and its simple, dialogue-free storytelling that resonated universally. The primary aspect that audiences lauded was its sweet and innocent portrayal of a same-sex crush, a topic many felt was long overdue for representation in animation. Many LGBTQ+ viewers and allies expressed how deeply the film moved them, with countless comments and reaction videos showing people being brought to tears by its heartfelt message. The film was celebrated for providing a story that many wished they had seen in their youth. While there was some inevitable negative feedback from anti-LGBTQ+ viewers, the vast majority of the public reception was one of adoration and gratitude for its groundbreaking and affirming message.