Open Heart (2004)
A tense Canadian medical drama about one nurse's dangerous decision to expose a surgeon putting children's lives at risk.
Open Heart - Movie Information
- Original Title: Open Heart
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Laurie Lynd
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Alternative Titles: Cradle Will Fall (CA), Nyílt szívvel (HU)
- Production Companies: Barna-Alper Productions, CTF | FCT, Canada Broadcasting Corporation, Movie Central Network
- Production Countries: Canada
Open Heart - Plot
Things appear to be looking up for a cash-strapped, regional hospital when it hires a reputedly brilliant cardiac surgeon to head up its pediatric cardiac surgery unit. But when increasing numbers of children begin dying on the operating table, the unit's top O.R. nurse begins to suspect that the new surgeon is not as experienced as everyone has been lead to believe. She finds herself alone, faced with jeopardizing the career she loves by taking on the powers that be and blowing the whistle on the influential surgeon and the harrowing goings-on at the hospital.
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Open Heart - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Laurie Lynd
Main Cast
- Megan Follows
- Raoul Bhaneja
- Kim Roberts
- Nicole Maillet
- Roxanne Jean
- Russell Yuen
- Vincent Walsh
- Karl Pruner
- Joseph Ziegler
- Athena Lamarre
Writers
- Raymond Storey
Producers
- Brian Dennis
Open Heart - FAQs
What is Open Heart about?
Open Heart follows Sherry Cardinal, a seasoned O.R. nurse at a struggling regional hospital who grows suspicious when children begin dying under the care of a celebrated new cardiac surgeon. Convinced he is dangerously unqualified, she risks her career and reputation to blow the whistle on him.
Is Open Heart based on a true story?
Yes, Open Heart draws inspiration from the real-life Winnipeg pediatric cardiac surgery scandal of the 1990s, in which a series of preventable deaths at a Canadian hospital led to a major public inquiry. The case exposed serious failures in surgical oversight and hospital accountability.
Where can you watch Open Heart online?
You can find current streaming and rental options for Open Heart on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Options may vary depending on your location, so it's worth checking there for the most up-to-date viewing choices.
Does Sherry Cardinal succeed in exposing the surgeon?
The film builds toward Sherry's decision to formally report her concerns despite immense institutional pressure to stay silent. Without giving too much away, her journey captures the real cost of whistleblowing — the professional isolation, self-doubt, and moral courage required to put children's safety above personal security.
Who stars in Open Heart?
Megan Follows leads the cast as Sherry Cardinal, the determined O.R. nurse at the heart of the story. She's joined by Raoul Bhaneja, Kim Roberts, Nicole Maillet, Vincent Walsh, Karl Pruner, and Joseph Ziegler, among others, in a strong ensemble of Canadian talent.
Who directed Open Heart and who wrote it?
Open Heart was directed by Laurie Lynd, a Canadian filmmaker known for his work in television drama. The screenplay was written by Raymond Storey. The film was produced by Brian Dennis for Barna-Alper Productions in association with the CBC and Movie Central Network.
How long is Open Heart?
Open Heart runs for 90 minutes — a tight, focused runtime that suits its tense, single-minded narrative. There's no filler here; the film moves with purpose from the moment the new surgeon arrives to the inevitable confrontation at the story's core.
What are similar films to Open Heart?
If Open Heart gripped you, try The Good Nurse (2022), a chilling true-crime medical drama about a killer nurse, or Extreme Measures (1996) for another tale of dangerous secrets in a hospital. The Hospital (1971) and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) also explore institutional failure with lasting impact.
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