I'll admit, I was only interested in seeing this initally because I'm a huge Adam Driver fan. I knew nothing about the plot going in but found myself hooked on what I found to be a really stunning film.
At times the film almost feels like theatre, with some scenes being filmed in such a way that you feel like you're in the room with them. In a way it makes Jude and Mina's relationship feel all the more real; from their unlikely romantic start right through it's eventual unravelling. There are times in the film where Mina's presence almost evokes a sense of horror in the film, carefully crafted by the film's score.
Hungry Hearts perhaps finds its best quality in it's tonal shift from beginning to end, as well as the outstanding performances by both Adam and Alba, who give such an honesty to the characters that it's hard to feel as if you don't know them personally. I think the film does a great deal to question the moral stance of the viewer: each of the main characters makes decisions throughout the film that are questionable at best, but when put into context are almost justified by their personal idea of what is best for the baby. Almost.
Coming out of the film, it's hard not to imagine what might have happened if Mina's mental illness had been treated, and how that might have affected the films trajectory. Either way, I know Hungry Hearts will sit with me for a while.
