“Young Hearts’ use of representation, its delicate, quiet sweetness and its telling of a story that is often told, but not often told well, has the special ability to show us something that we haven’t seen before.”
“One standout among Slamdance’s narrative features is Thunderbolt in Mine Eye [now titled, Young Hearts].”
“[Young Hearts] gives us a nuanced and authentic look at Generation Z, eschewing the extreme gloss (or despair!) that we often see in its portrayal. […] the film is subversive in its message, giving complete agency to the young lead as she navigates family, friends, a genuine passion for academics, and—in a refreshingly direct way—sex. Actress Anjini Taneja Azhar remarkably embodies the character, using a mix of warmth, confidence, and uncertainty to convey her complicated, and evolving truth.”
– Harry Cherniak, Slamdance programmer
“This incessantly captivating and uncomfortably relatable look at high school in the 2010s is most definitely made for more than just “mere youths.” [….] With the Duplass Brothers producing this ultra low budget gem, do whatever it takes to see this Portland-based treasure.”
– 48 Hills
“[Young Hearts] captures the spirit of teenage angst, a refreshing narrative that celebrates the subtleties of an awkward era. High school doesn’t have to define anyone, but in real time it often feels that way. The mature young cast are an absolute treat to watch. Sherman and Sherman have crafted quite an impressive film.”
“There’s a simple beauty to Barbie’s Kenny. Director Sherman embraces the adage, ‘less is more’.”
