“Hearts Beat Loud,” opening June 15 at the Landmark Ritz Five, is a genial father-daughter film buoyed by out actor Kiersey Clemons’ ingratiating performance. While her father Frank (Nick Offerman) has decided to close down his record store in New York City’s Red Hook, Sam (Clemons) is studying pre-med before attending college in UCLA in the fall. Both are still grieving the death of Sam’s mother.
When her father insists they have a jam session together, Sam is reluctant, but their efforts soon turn out the title track, which gets on a Spotify playlist. Sam is soon watching WXPN World Cafe videos for inspiration. She also finds inspiration — and love — with Rose (Sasha Lane), an artist.
In a recent phone interview, Clemons told PGN about the message the film sends viewers and why it matters.
PGN: What appealed to you about the character of Sam? Was it her being the responsible teen with the free-spirited parent? Or the fact that you could play a singing role?
KC: I think it was all of those things and the point that she’s at a place in her life where she’s not a wild child. She has a good head on her shoulders. I like that the script was about her being responsible and not about chasing guys or going to parties — though I like those kinds of films too.
PGN: What observations do you have about Sam’s sexuality? It’s not an issue (which is refreshing), but why is her being a lesbian important? When Sam tells Frank she has a girlfriend, is that her coming out?
KC: It’s just been Sam and Frank for the majority of Sam’s life. There’s a great deal of understanding between them. Her coming out was prior to her telling Frank about Rose. But she’s never put a stamp on her sexuality; she’s young and figuring things out and knows it. It’s important to show families are accepting and loving [of queer kids].
PGN: Sam wants to go to UCLA because she wants something different; she wants to get away. Why do you think that is?
KC: I think she’s seen everything in New York. She was born and raised there, and she wants to start anew and that’s something every young person can relate to. She can’t be independent if she’s close to home. She wants to get into a space where she does not have to carry the weight around.
PGN: Leslie (Toni Collette) says she believes in Frank; Frank says he believes in Sam. From where do you get your strength and confidence?
KC: I think I have a great group of people around me. I filter out the people I don’t find to be sincere or honest, and that gives me confidence. I know that if I enter something or am doubting myself, I have people around me I can go to or look to for guidance and that makes me feel less alone. Confidence stems from a place of love. Confident people receive and return a lot of love.
PGN: Speaking of love, what observations do you have about working with Sasha Lane and developing the chemistry between your characters?
KC: Sasha was a friend before we filmed, which makes everything easier. We got past that initial meeting and discussed where Rose and Sam are, who they were and why they like each other. They help each other and grow up in this summer [romance].
PGN: Sam learns to ride a bike with Rose’s help. She had never learned because of her mother’s death. Why do you think she does this, given how it might trigger her father?
KC: Sam and Frank are going through the same thing, but with different momentum and at a different pace. Family members go through things together, but sometimes, if you and a relative are dealing with the same trauma, it’s hard to help each other. Rose is the first person she’s felt comfortable with to share that experience and let go of things she’s holding on to.
PGN: One of the messages in the film is to slow down and enjoy things. What do you slow down for and enjoy?
KC: My sisters and my partner — they always force me to slow down. I will cancel stuff to be with them. It’s therapeutic, and if I’m tired they give me energy. Food too. I relax by finding time to make big meals or having a nice dinner.
PGN: You mentioned a partner. Can you talk about her?
KC: My girlfriend Ebony is a stunt girl; she was my stunt double. But we look nothing alike — you have to write that! She’s Australian and funny and a goddess. She’s really chill. She’s more rational and realist. I’m so sensitive and let everything affect me.