Romantic comedies are a dime a dozen. Different spins on the genre are released into cinemas every year with only the rare few tweaking the formula enough to stand out from the pack. The Broken Hearts Gallery may just be the only film to do so in a year almost completely devoid of new releases (apart from a few of those pesky generic rom-coms); bringing side-splitting humour and genuine heart to the tried and tested formula that has plagued the genre for years. With a star-making performance from up and comer Geraldine Viswanathan, this is easily one of the best films released in 2020 and, if it is safe to do so, an easy recommendation for a trip to the cinemas.
Viswanathan plays Lucy, a bright and bubbly millennial without a filter who moves from relationship to relationship without much success, amassing a collection of mementos from her past suitors which adorn the apartment she shares with roommates Amanda (Molly Gordon) and Nadine (Phillip Soo). When her latest boyfriend and boss Max (Utkarsh Ambudkar) dumps her for his ex, Lucy’s latest spiral into depression leads her to meet the down-to-earth Nick (Dacre Montgomery), who she strikes up an unlikely friendship with. When Nick confides in Lucy about his incredibly hipster dream of opening up a boutique hotel, Lucy sees this as an opportunity for catharsis and begins to bring the mementos from her past to put on display in Nick’s construction zone of a hotel – AKA the titular Broken Hearts Gallery – garnering viral fame and a string of lonely lovers whose sob stories force Lucy and Nick to evaluate their own views on life and love.
Sounds cheesy doesn’t it? The premise is inherently silly and might make even the most strong stomached of audiences gag at times, but when it is packed full of as much charm and heart as The Broken Hearts Gallery is, it’s hard to be too upset about anything you’re seeing for too long. This really comes down to Geraldine Viswanathan, who is the heart and soul of the film, which without her would plunge into mediocrity. She brings such an energy and likability to the character of Lucy; an endlessly effervescent sense of joy and wonder at the world that constantly keeps a smile on your face as she attempts to impart this positivity on the all-business Nick. That isn’t to say that Lucy is a one-dimensional character however, and Viswanathan hits all the right notes in making her relatable, in her vulnerability to the men she is pulled towards and the hurt she has bottled up from constant rejection. Add to that her impeccable comedic timing, which she has honed in films like Blockers, and you have easily the film’s greatest weapon, ensuring the laughs are coming a mile a minute.
Surrounding Lucy is a mostly solid supporting cast with Molly Gordon and Phillipa Soo (of Hamilton fame) delivering big laughs and showing a great chemistry between the trio. Their banter is a constant delight and although the jokes don’t always land, there are a few in there that deliver some of the biggest laughs in the film. Arturo Castro does good work as Nick’s friend Marcos, helping to make Nick into something of a three dimensional character (more on that later) and Utkarsh Ambudkar also shines as the completely oblivious and self-absorbed Max. Unfortunately the weak link in The Broken Hearts Gallery comes in the form of leading man Dacre Montgomery as Nick. Montgomery’s performance doesn’t derail the film but he just doesn’t seem to be performing at a high enough level as those around him here, playing Nick extremely straight-laced and not leaving much room for the comedy to flow organically; relying on Geraldine Viswanathan to carry their funnier scenes. It’s somewhat surprising considering his stellar performance in Stranger Things and when the inevitable dramatic moments hit he is excellent and delivers the required gravitas but in a movie as fun as this, which will be remembered for its levity and humour, you really would benefit more from a leading man that can handle the comedy and maybe falters on the dramatic side, rather than the other way around.
The Broken Hearts Gallery is a blast from start to finish, even if it is a fairly predictable one. If you’re expecting a romantic comedy that completely shifts the genre on its head then keep looking, but I’m willing to guess that if you’ve got your eye on this film and have seen a poster or trailer then you know what to expect and will not be disappointed. Geraldine Viswanathan’s performance elevates the typical genre material to something special and the commitment from the entire cast to the comedy (Dacre Montgomery excluded) ensures that you will leave the cinema having shed a tear or two, whether that be from the constant laughter or the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the rom-com territory.
The Broken Hearts Gallery stars Geraldine Viswanathan, Dacre Montgomery, Molly Gordon, Phillipa Soo, Arturo Castro and Utkarsh Ambudkar – in cinemas now.