The Heart Machine

The Heart Machine is a psychological thriller released in 2014, directed by Zachary Wigon. The movie features John Gallagher Jr., Louisa Krause, and Kate Lyn Sheil in the lead roles.

The story of the film revolves around a long-distance relationship between Cody and Virginia. Cody is a tech-savvy guy living in Brooklyn, New York, who works in a computer repair shop, while Virginia is an aspiring writer living in Berlin. They have been dating each other for almost a year, but the only way they communicate is through video chats and messaging. Cody becomes suspicious of Virginia's loyalty, and his doubts increase when he discovers that Virginia has been using a fake profile picture on her social media accounts.

Cody starts to obsess over the idea that Virginia might have cheated on him, and he decides to track her down in New York City. He tries to match the background sounds of her video chats to specific locations in the city, and he eventually discovers an address that matches in Brooklyn. Cody tracks Virginia to a bar, but he is surprised to find that she is not alone and that she is actually with another guy.

Heartbroken and confused, Cody leaves the bar and tries to put the past behind him. However, he can't stop thinking about Virginia, and he starts to investigate her life more closely. He creates fake social media profiles to gather information about Virginia's social circle and tries to match images and videos to her location. Cody eventually discovers that Virginia has been lying to him, and he decides to confront her.

Cody's obsession with Virginia and his investigations into her life start to take a toll on his mental health. He becomes paranoid, starts to lose sleep, and begins to see hallucinations. Cody's deteriorating mental state impacts his relationships with his friends and family. He becomes isolated, and his obsession with Virginia consumes his life completely.

The Heart Machine is a unique movie that explores the dark side of technology and the dangers of long-distance relationships. The movie is a slow-burn, and it keeps the viewers on edge throughout the runtime. The performances of the lead actors, particularly John Gallagher Jr. and Louisa Krause, are outstanding. They deliver nuanced and complex performances that successfully capture the psyche of their characters.

The movie also has a great sense of visual style. The cinematography by Chris Teague is exceptional, and it captures the essence of Brooklyn and New York City. The movie has a distinct color palette which adds to the overall mood of the film.

One of the significant themes of the movie is the impact of technology on human relationships. The film presents a dystopian version of long-distance relationships, where the lack of physical contact leads to jealousy, paranoia, and obsession. The movie is a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying too heavily on technology and social media.

In conclusion, The Heart Machine is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep the audience engaged till the end. It's an unconventional story with exceptional performances and beautiful cinematography. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys slow-burn thrillers that explore complex themes.