"The Heart Wants What The Heart Wants"
In a Heartbeat - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Anthropomorphic Heart
The heart is a literal and symbolic representation of Sherwin's true feelings and desires. Its independent actions symbolize the uncontrollable and undeniable nature of love. It is pure emotion, acting on impulse and longing without the social fear and anxiety that cripples Sherwin.
Throughout the film, the heart physically leaves Sherwin's body to chase after Jonathan. It acts like a playful, determined puppy, highlighting the innocence of Sherwin's crush. Its breaking in two represents the heartbreak and pain caused by fear and social judgment. Finally, its mending and merging with Jonathan's heart's glow signifies mutual acceptance and the beginning of a shared connection.
The Broken Heart
The heart splitting into two halves symbolizes the emotional pain and devastation of rejection and social stigma. It represents Sherwin's heartbreak not from his crush's rejection, but from the shame and fear he feels when his feelings are exposed to the judgmental eyes of his peers.
This occurs after Sherwin's heart is publicly revealed, and the other students stare disapprovingly. In his panic and embarrassment, Sherwin pulls away, tearing the heart in two. He runs away with one half, leaving a piece with Jonathan, symbolizing a shared but broken connection.
The Glowing, Merged Hearts
The final image of the two boys' chests glowing, and the light merging into one symbolizes mutual acceptance, connection, and the blossoming of love. It suggests that their feelings are reciprocated and that together, they are whole.
After Jonathan finds Sherwin and they mend the broken heart, they sit together under a tree. The camera focuses on them as their individual heart-lights begin to glow and then merge into a single, brighter light, signifying the start of their relationship and the wholeness they find in each other.
Philosophical Questions
Can we control who we love?
The film explores this question through its central metaphor. Sherwin actively tries to suppress and control his heart, but it has a will of its own, literally dragging him towards his crush. This suggests that love and attraction are innate, involuntary forces that cannot be reasoned with or easily controlled by the conscious mind's fears and social conditioning. The heart's actions posit that our deepest feelings are a fundamental part of who we are, and attempting to deny them is a futile and painful struggle.
What is the relationship between our internal feelings and our external actions?
"In a Heartbeat" visualizes the conflict between internal emotion (the heart) and external action (Sherwin's attempts to hide). Sherwin's body and mind are governed by fear of social consequences, while his heart is driven by pure, unfiltered emotion. The film illustrates the immense difficulty and distress that arises when there is a disconnect between what we feel and what we feel safe to express. The resolution only comes when Sherwin's internal feelings are acknowledged and accepted externally, both by himself and by Jonathan, bringing him a sense of peace and wholeness.
Core Meaning
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.