Heartworm – Movie Review
First Reaction – Heartworm challenges us to discuss a bigger conversation about grief handling.
Director: Miriam Louise Arens, Mitchell Arens
Writer: Miriam Louise Arens, Mitchell Arens (Screenplay)
Cast
- Amber Gray
- Juan Riedinger
- Lillias White
- Ellie Reine
- Derrick Baskin
Plot: In this sci-fi drama spanning Reality, Virtual Reality and Memory, Avena, a bereaved mother, battles to rescue her grief-stricken husband from NeuraLife, the virtual technology dominating their world.
Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Heartworm starts when Avena (Gray) and Mark (Riedinger) struggle with grief after their daughter Zamira’s (Reine) death. However, they have turned to a new virtual reality system known as NeuraLife. It gives them a chance to bring their daughter back into their lives.
Mark has become trapped in the world of virtual reality. Meanwhile, Avena is reluctant to step into the world. However, her grief begins taking over and she finds herself drawn in to help rescue her husband. Will she be able to save him, or will she join him in this world?
Verdict on Heartworm
Recap
The movie follows a grieving couple who have turned to a dramatic virtual reality technology. One has embraced it to help them escape, while the other wants to rescue their partner and embrace their grief. However, the challenge presents many different, deeper conversations between the couple.
Best Parts
The idea of battle to keep the memories of a lost loved one alive using new technology is strong. It presents a very big discussion in a way that is fair to people on both sides. Elsewhere, the performances are great throughout, which helps move the discussion along.
Worst Parts
While the conversation is very interesting, the overall mind trip loses focus at times. Sometimes it feels like it wants to be a horror, and then it leans into a less supernatural feeling. It never feels like it captures enough momentum in a strong enough series.
Final Thoughts –Heartworm has a moving, deeper conversation.
