Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- morose
- eerie
- brooding
- late night horror viewing
- dark fantasy marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Jim Sturgess’s watchable lead performance and Philip Ridley’s dark, atmospheric direction, while finding the plotting, pacing, and character development uneven.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jamie’s desire to escape the stigma of his birthmark leads him into a pact with demonic forces.
The streets of East London function as both a recognizable urban environment and a concealed realm of demons.
Critics repeatedly identified the film’s dark visual direction, suspenseful atmospherics, and morose tone as central strengths.
Jamie’s large heart-shaped birthmark defines how he understands himself and how the supernatural conflict reaches him.
Films like Heartless, and why
The Devil's Backbone
Shares Faustian bargains, morally compromised protagonists, and dark supernatural drama.
Constantine
Shares eerie urban fantasy, demonic forces, and a brooding visual atmosphere.
The Company of Wolves
Shares psychological horror, physical transformation, and alienated protagonists confronting monstrous realities.
Movie Details
- Director
- Philip Ridley
- Release Date
- 2010-05-21
- Runtime
- 114 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (182)
Cast
- Jim Sturgess
- Luke Treadaway
- Clémence Poésy
- Justin Salinger
- Fraser Ayres
- Noel Clarke
- Ruth Sheen
- Dave Florez
- Nikita Mistry
- Timothy Spall
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Heartless about?
- A visibly marked young Londoner enters a demonic bargain that turns his longing for acceptance into a nightmarish moral trial.
- What is Heartless like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Heartless as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Heartless violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Heartless as moderate.
- What did critics think of Heartless?
- Critics broadly praised Jim Sturgess’s watchable lead performance and Philip Ridley’s dark, atmospheric direction, while finding the plotting, pacing, and character development uneven.
- Which films are like Heartless?
- Films with a similar feel include The Devil's Backbone, Constantine, and The Company of Wolves.
- How long is Heartless?
- Heartless runs 114 minutes.
- Where can I watch Heartless?
- In United States, Heartless is available to rent or buy from Google Play Movies, YouTube.
