Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving Argentine drama with grief, language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Heart Knows
What's the Story?
In THE HEART KNOWS, cold-hearted, wealthy businessman Juan Manuel (Benjamín Vicuña) goes through a transformative journey when he receives a heart transplant from a man who was everything he's not. Spurred by curiosity, he visits his donor's neighborhood and realizes he was an exemplary member of his community who worked hard to improve his neighbors' living conditions. Surprised by his discovery, Juan Manuel begins to frequent the working-class neighborhood and falls in love with his donor's widow, Valeria (Julieta Díaz), a fierce woman trying to raise her son on her own. But Juan Manuel doesn't tell Valeria about his connection to her late husband.
Is It Any Good?
This well-intentioned Argentine drama doesn't offer anything new, but it's still a worthwhile watch. It's essentially 21 Grams meets A Christmas Tale, centered on the idea that a heart transplant can also change your soul. In The Heart Knows, cold-hearted Juan Manuel goes from selfish playboy to do-gooder after discovering that his donor was a saint-like man. Things unfold exactly the way you imagine they would, albeit with many enjoyable moments.
The one reason to stick to The Heart Knows is the performance by Julieta Díaz, whose Valeria fills the film with nuance and ferocity. She brings grace and compassion to a character that could easily have been relegated to a damsel in distress, and she deserves a film willing to dig deeper. Kids probably won't be interested in watching this drama, but older teens and their parents might find it entertaining enough for a quiet evening.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Juan Manuel's change of heart. Do you think receiving someone else's heart could really change who you are? Why, or why not?
Why is it important to care for your community and neighbors?
How does Valeria show strength and compassion while dealing with her own sadness?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 30, 2025
- Cast : Julieta Diaz , Benjamín Vicuña , Bicho Gomez
- Director : Marcos Carnevale
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , South American Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : June 10, 2025
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