In a Heartbeat
2017 · Directed by Beth David, Esteban Bravo
Original language: English
- animation
- comedy
- romance
The story
A closeted boy runs the risk of being outed by his own heart after it pops out of his chest to chase down the boy of his dreams.
What it’s like
Bright, hand-drawn pastel animation with soft gradients and simple, expressive character lines, the school hallways and sunny streets rendered in cheerful, almost storybook colour. The mood is light and sweet, a playful comedy with a warm romantic heart and a touch of teenage nerves, the kind of short that suits a lunch break, a quick evening watch, or sharing with a friend. Pacing is brisk and tidy, running only a few minutes, with the gags landing quickly and the emotional beats kept small and earnest. Its central arc follows a shy teenager trying to hide a crush while his feelings keep giving him away, moving toward a hopeful, affirming moment of being seen. Intensity is very low: no violence, no gore, no sexual content, just a bit of comic awkwardness and some anxious tension about being found out. It is for viewers who want a gentle, funny, feel-good LGBTQ+ story with a big heart and no heaviness.
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