The Normal Heart (2014) Review in 2025
The Normal Heart is a powerful drama film based on the 1985 play by Larry Kramer, which tells the story of the early days of the AIDS epidemic in New York City.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
Recommended for fans of drama, history, and romance films, particularly those interested in the AIDS epidemic and LGBTQ+ rights.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows the story of Ned Weeks, a gay activist who fights for the rights of people living with AIDS, and his relationships with his friends and loved ones, including his partner Felix and his friend Bruce.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is well-written and engaging, with a strong focus on the characters and their relationships. The film does a great job of conveying the emotions and struggles of the characters, particularly Ned Weeks, who is a complex and nuanced character.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with a standout performance from Mark Ruffalo. The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Matt Bomer and Taylor Kitsch.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with each one bringing their own unique perspective to the story. Mark Ruffalo shines as Ned Weeks, bringing a depth and nuance to the character that is impressive.
direction8.00/10
Ryan Murphy does a great job of directing the film, bringing a sense of energy and urgency to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of dramatic and emotional moments.
cinematography7.50/10
The cinematography is good, but not outstanding. The film's use of lighting and color is effective in conveying the mood and atmosphere of the scenes, but some of the shots feel a bit static and uninteresting.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Normal Heart is a powerful and emotional film that does a great job of conveying the struggles and triumphs of the early days of the AIDS epidemic. The performances are excellent, particularly Mark Ruffalo's standout turn as Ned Weeks.
Cons
The cinematography is not as strong as some of the other aspects of the film, and some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not going to let you die on me, Ned. I'm not going to let you die."
"We're not going to let the government define us. We're going to define ourselves."
