Actually Francis (Xavier Dolan) and Mary (Monia Chokri) are the best of friends. Ranting together at parties about the other guests or running their mouths about their latest love affairs is the perfect way for the two to keep themselves from getting hurt. But then Nic (Niels Schneider) enters their lives - and stupidly, both Francis and Mary fall in love with the handsome boy. And he enjoys the attention the two of them give him to the fullest. But while Nic is only savoring the beautiful aspects of the slowly developing love triangle, Francis and Mary's close friendship is in danger of falling apart as their competitive feelings grow stronger and stronger.
With Heartbreaker, 22-year-old director Xavier Dolan, who made his debut as a filmmaker at just 19 years old, has succeeded in creating a small, but fine comedy that takes aim, with a self-deprecating wink, at the superficialities that govern people's actions, especially in matters of the heart. Framed by fictional interviews, some of which seem very authentic in an amusing way, in which some broken hearts tell their stories, Dolan sheds light on an almost tragic love triangle based solely on superficialities. For Francis and Mary dream of a kind of very uncomplicated love with a beautiful person. There are no really deep feelings. Only the envy and jealousy that develop over the course of the story are real, and that's why the friendship also threatens to break up.
It's absolutely fitting that Dolan has made his second feature film after the acclaimed I Killed My Mother quite superficial and shallow, at least at first glance. This is the only way he can convey to the viewer the realism of this somewhat different romantic comedy - which he then succeeds in doing very well. Heartbreaker is an entertaining contribution to young Canadian cinema, a refreshingly different look at love or what we think love is in the face of attractiveness and beauty. Well acted, uninhibitedly directed, spiced with unobtrusive wit and garnished with quite a few more or less pleasant truths, these ingredients make the film well worth watching for lovers of youthful fresh arthouse entertainment!
