Heart (1999)

A taut British thriller from writer Jimmy McGovern, unravelling a haunting story of obsession, grief, and moral collapse.

Heart - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Heart
  • Release Year: 1999
  • Directed by: Charles McDougall
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Thriller
  • Runtime: 1h 25m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1999 (United Kingdom), May 6, 1999 (Germany - 16)
  • Alternative Titles: Heart - Jeder kann sein Herz verlieren (DE)
  • Production Companies: Merseyside Film Production Fund, Granada Productions, Mayfair Entertainment International
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom

Heart - Plot

A woman, plastered in blood, is arrested by a grave, and a tale of loss, lust and jealousy slowly unfolds.

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Heart - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Charles McDougall

Main Cast

  • Christopher Eccleston
  • Saskia Reeves
  • Kate Hardie
  • Rhys Ifans
  • Anna Chancellor
  • Matthew Rhys
  • Jack Deam
  • Kate Rutter
  • Bill Paterson

Writers

  • Jimmy McGovern

Producers

  • Nicola Shindler

Heart - FAQs

Who are the main actors in Heart?

Heart features Christopher Eccleston as Gary Ellis and Saskia Reeves as Maria Ann McCardle in the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Rhys Ifans, Anna Chancellor, Matthew Rhys, Kate Hardie, Bill Paterson, and Kate Rutter, all delivering compelling performances in this dark British thriller.

What is Heart about?

Heart opens with a blood-soaked woman being arrested near a grave, then unravels a gripping story of grief, obsession, and jealousy. Written by Jimmy McGovern, the film explores how loss can twist into dangerous desire, pulling its characters into a web of moral ruin and emotional devastation.

Who directed Heart and who wrote it?

Heart was directed by Charles McDougall and written by acclaimed British screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, best known for his unflinching, character-driven dramas. McGovern's sharp, emotionally raw script is one of the film's standout elements, giving the story its intense psychological edge.

When was Heart released?

Heart was released on January 1, 1999 in the United Kingdom, followed by a German release on May 6, 1999. The film is a British production supported by Merseyside Film Production Fund and Granada Productions, and it remains a notable entry in late-1990s British cinema.

Is Heart based on a true story?

Heart is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay by Jimmy McGovern, though his work is consistently rooted in the gritty realities of working-class British life. The film's emotional authenticity comes from McGovern's talent for crafting deeply human, psychologically believable characters and situations.

What are some movies similar to Heart?

If Heart appeals to you, you might enjoy Loving Adults (2022), The Truth About Emanuel (2013), Dead of Winter (1987), Rogue Agent (2022), or Frank and Penelope (2022). These films share a similar blend of dark psychological tension, morally complex characters, and unsettling emotional drama.

How long is the film Heart?

Heart runs for 85 minutes, making it a tightly paced thriller that wastes no time building its atmosphere of dread and obsession. The lean runtime works in the film's favour, keeping the tension coiled and the narrative momentum relentless from its arresting opening scene to its conclusion.

Where can I watch Heart online?

To find out where you can stream or rent Heart (1999), check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region. Streaming libraries change frequently, and JustWatch aggregates all current viewing options across major platforms so you can find the easiest way to watch.

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