Complicated Love Stories: a feminist review of Purple Hearts (2022)
The Allure of Romance and the Mechanics of Gender Roles
“Purple Hearts” (2022), a romantic drama directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, is a film that excels in capturing the aesthetic beauty of its leads and setting – a picturesque coast, sparkling waves, and sun-dappled evenings. The surface allure of this cinema experience charms viewers into indulging in a story that is, in essence, a complicated tapestry of love wrapped in contrived circumstances.
The narrative revolves around aspiring singer-songwriter Cassie Salazar, played with notable charisma by Sofia Carson, and Marine Luke Morrow, played by Nicholas Galitzine. These characters are thrust together by necessity rather than choice, entering a marriage of convenience driven by financial strain and the pursuit of healthcare benefits. Here, the film presents a not-so-subtle critique of systemic socioeconomic pressures, even if it doesn’t overtly unpack these layers.
Yet, as the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that the film remains locked within archetypal portrayals of gender roles. Cassie, while presented as independent and ambitious, is often circumscribed by her interactions with Luke. Her journey toward achieving her musical ambitions seems secondary to the development of their romantic relationship – a dynamic that reflects an uncomfortable prioritization of romantic ideals over personal achievement. While Carson imbues Cassie with a spirited resistance, the character’s growth is too often reactive to Luke’s narrative arc.
Communication Across the Gender Divide
One of the more compelling aspects of “Purple Hearts” is its portrayal of communication – or the lack thereof – between genders. The film attempts to capture the friction and tenderness that develop between two disparate personalities forced to bridge their differences. Cassie and Luke’s exchanges start off fraught with misunderstandings and cultural divides, often exacerbated by preconceptions rooted in gender.
What is missing, however, is an equitable balance in narrative agency. While Cassie’s voice often attempts to break through the patriarchal mold, her dialogues are frequently constrained, reduced to emotionally charged exchanges that serve Luke’s personal journey more than her own. In an ideal feminist restructure, these dialogues would pivot more on mutual recognition and equality, rather than functioning as a catalyst for male character development.
Exploring Values: Family, Ambition, and Social Constraints
“Purple Hearts” subtly addresses themes of family and ambition, albeit with overarching conventional messages. The concept of family is portrayed through Luke’s strained relationship with his father and the closeness with his military brethren. On the contrary, Cassie’s family seems more peripheral, primarily serving as a plot device rather than a space for genuine exploration of personal ambition and family dynamics.
Moreover, the film’s treatment of ambition – particularly female ambition – feels subdued. Cassie’s aspiration to succeed as a musician, a pursuit driven by her passion and talent, takes a backseat to her relationship with Luke. In this way, the film misses an opportunity to robustly challenge the societal tendency to position romantic entanglements over personal and career achievements for women.
Cinematic Craft and Emotional Resonance
In terms of cinematic craft “Purple Hearts” manages to deliver with its visually appealing style and a soundtrack that echoes Cassie’s inner world. The visual narrative mirrors the emotional highs and lows experienced by the characters, with clever use of lighting and color grading capturing the film’s romantic nostalgia. The music, a genre-bending blend of pop and indie influences, adds an emotional layer to the film’s landscape, intertwining with the narrative to echo Cassie’s journey and resilience.
The film’s emotional core hinges on the chemistry between Carson and Galitzine. Their performances breathe life into a script that risks falling into melodramatic pitfalls. However, this chemistry is not enough to obscure the lack of tangible agency afforded to Cassie. Despite the compelling romance and the film’s undeniable emotional pull, it trails behind in providing a fully realized feminist narrative.
In conclusion, “Purple Hearts” offers a sweeping romance that, while visually and sonically appealing, stumbles slightly within its feminist ambitions. The film showcases gendered dynamics wrapped in a love story but stops short of entirely subverting traditional romantic narratives. The emotional craft of the film is certainly commendable, yet it prompts a reflection on the importance of balanced storytelling – where women are not just inspirational muses but are full participants in their own narratives. It leaves us both enchanted by its art and longing for a deeper examination of the stories it hints at but ultimately does not tell.
