Loren Kreisle writes and directs the short film Heart To Heart. The film begins with Allen (Cody Roberts) preparing to undergo heart surgery. During the procedure, something wildly unexpected happens: Allen’s heart leaps out of his body. The organ then goes through the hospital, opining on why it escaped, its dreams, and how people should treat their bodies. But, it is a heart and, therefore, needs to be inside a human to function correctly. Will it make it back to Allen before it is too late for both the human and the heart?
Heart To Heart is billed as a comedy-horror hybrid. There are a few scenes that play up the creepy aspects of a living heart wandering a hospital, but this is 99% comedy. Luckily, it is very, very humorous. The deep voice of the heart’s monologue contrasted with what the doctors hear is hilarious. The ending confrontation between Allen and his heart will leave viewers in stitches.
“…Allen’s heart leaps out of his body.”
Katie O’Dea’s practical effects and puppetry work bring the heart to life. The organ moves believably enough, and the various blood-splattered moments look impressive.
Unfortunately, Heart To Heart does have a few issues. These are flaws aside from the horror taking a backseat, which isn’t really a bad thing once expectations have been appropriately adjusted. The acting of the minor characters is so-so. The cast reacts to the heart’s existence very blasé. Perhaps this pseudo-deadpan is meant to up the humor, but it doesn’t work as intended.
Overall, Heart To Heart is a fun little film from a group of students in Idaho. While there are a few issues present, the short highlights a lot of promise from all involved. Here’s hoping that Keisle, O’Dea, Roberts, and company continue down this path and hone their skills further.
Heart To Heart screened at the 2024 Seattle Film Festival.