It’s fair to say, My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To, was one of Mother of Movies’ most anticipated feature films for 2020. The premise proclaims details that point to all things vampire. A mysterious infection, and a brother and sister who are caring for him under the cover of night hint that this is that type of story. My usual ritual of watching the movie trailer after the fact was again on point.

However, those wanting a little more information will get a healthy dose of what’s in store. The film trailer shows a quiet and subdued family unit. And of course, leaves no hint of ambiguity as to the nature of the premise. Dwight and Jessie are charged with taking care of a sickly and pale-looking sibling. In the clip, we are shown the muted colors that flood the entire film.

It’s Christmas Once A Month in My Heart Can’t Beat Until You Tell It To

The color palette reflects the somber nature of every scene. Thomas is a teenager and together they celebrate Christmas once a month. To this end, the tree is always up. The family eats dinner together in the wee hours of the morning, together as a family. Jessie and Thomas play the piano in some kind of attempt to lift the mood. They play a game that involves guessing what year the song being played is from. And then there’s the blood. A large dispenser sits on the kitchen counter filled with it.

“My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To” is a very different kind of vampire story. Coming from an angle that humanizes the legendary stories where those inflicted with vampirism have extraordinary powers, here that is not the case. Thomas is quiet, morose, thin, and knows nothing of his dire predicament. He’s unsocialized and pines for friends his age. He yearns to go outside when it’s bright. By either a lapse in memory of previous encounters with the sun or from simply being watched at all times, Thomas lives in the night.

A Character Study of Loneliness & Family

The pressure points in ‘My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To’ come from the trio’s struggles with their captivity. Each is held prisoner by the situation they are forced to deal with. Dwight desperately wants to leave. Jessie persists in almost fear-like control and no one seeks any alternate solutions except for the routine at hand.

Writer-director Jonathan Cuartas’s inbuilt world teeters and sways at every step forcing you to wonder what if? What if Dwight decides not to deliver the next victim’s body to drain for his brother? What if Thomas does go outside? Every question is answered with a swift and purposeful hand or a subtle tonal change that alludes to exactly what will and does happen.

This drama-infused horror feature directorial debut will appeal to those who love an intense and morose story. Atmospherically it felt a lot like It Comes At Night, especially in its claustrophobic setting and close-knit central characters. There was something very satisfying about this film, especially within its execution. It’s edgy and dark and shows you a completely different side of what being alone can mean. I rarely go out of my way to rent movies, but in this case, it was worth it.

I give My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To

4 home is where the heart is out of 5

Mother of Movies ratings system - 4 stars

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