Watch Purple Hearts

"Purple Hearts" is a romantic drama film released in 2022 and stars Sofia Carson, Nicholas Galitzine, and Chosen Jacobs in lead roles. Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, the film blends elements of music, romance, and the stark realities faced by those in the military, exploring the theme of unexpected love blossoming under challenging circumstances.

At the heart of the story is Cassie Salazar, portrayed by Sofia Carson, an aspiring singer-songwriter who works as a bartender in Austin, Texas, while trying to find her big break in the music industry. She is a fiercely independent and determined young woman, but she faces a mountain of obstacles in both her personal and professional life. Cassie struggles with a medical condition that has left her in serious debt due to the expensive treatments required, affecting her ability to fully pursue her musical dreams. Yet, despite the challenges, her spirit remains undeterred as she continues to perform at local venues, hoping to one day make it big.

Enter Luke Morrow, played by Nicholas Galitzine, a troubled Marine who is about to be deployed overseas. He is grappling with his own inner demons and the prospect of facing combat, but his tough exterior hides a more vulnerable side that he seldom exposes to others. Luke and Cassie's worlds collide, leading to a convening of two distinct lives both marred by hardship and longing.

As fate would have it, through a chance meeting and a series of events driven by desperation and necessity, Cassie and Luke find themselves entering into a marriage of convenience. The arrangement serves a dual purpose: for Luke, it means additional military benefits and support, and for Cassie, it's an avenue to healthcare coverage that could alleviate her medical debts. They agree to the marriage despite their initial reservations, recognizing it as a pragmatic solution to their individual problems.

However, what starts as a simple transactional relationship slowly evolves into something neither Cassie nor Luke had anticipated. As they navigate the realities of their agreement, they begin to learn more about each other and themselves. The film dives deep into the complexities of their arrangement, showcasing the emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise when two people enter into a marriage for reasons other than love.

"Purple Hearts" doesn’t shy away from confronting real issues, including the sacrifices made by military families, the struggles and injustices faced by those with inadequate healthcare, and the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations. The movie also uses music as a pivotal storytelling device, with original songs performed by Sofia Carson that underscore the emotional journey of her character and reflect the narrative’s growth.

As Luke prepares for deployment, Cassie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit military community, where she forges unexpected friendships and allies, including the character portrayed by Chosen Jacobs. This new network of relationships provides her with insight into a world she had never experienced, opening her eyes to the camaraderie and the shared burdens among those connected to the military.

While the premise may serve as a backdrop for a whirlwind romance, "Purple Hearts" takes the time to build the relationship between its leads, showing the viewers how the protagonists gradually move from skepticism and mutually beneficial arrangement towards something that closely resembles a real married couple. Their interactions are marked with moments of tension, vulnerability, and the gradual peeling away of layers that reveal their true characters to each other.

Through the arcs of Cassie and Luke, the film poses questions about the nature of love, whether it can truly emerge from a foundation built on convenience instead of genuine affection. It's a reflection on both the sacrifices people make for survival and the surprising ways in which love can emerge from adversity.

"Purple Hearts" is a poignant film teeming with emotional complexity and touching on socio-political themes while encapsulating the transformative power of love. It's a narrative about finding common ground and unexpected connections, a story that highlights struggle and sacrifice but also the beauty that can arise when two very different hearts slowly beat as one. The chemistry between Carson and Galitzine, bolstered by the supporting cast including Jacobs, delivers compelling performances that engage and move the audience from start to finish.

The film appeals to viewers who appreciate a blend of romance and drama, set against the backdrop of contemporary issues, all while being serenaded by an evocative soundtrack. "Purple Hearts" goes beyond the generic romance movie, inviting its audience to ponder questions of ethics, duty, and the unwavering human capacity for change and emotional connection.

Purple Hearts is a 2022 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 30.