A young boxer being trained by his father to take on the family mantle and a title shot finds himself in a new place with unexpected new friends while going on a self-discovery journey.
Written and directed by David Cook, for whom this is a first feature film as both writer and director, Heart of the Man is a touching coming-of-age story that is clearly close to the filmmaker’s heart. The writing here is good and so is the direction with some great moments here and there. The story’s pacing is a bit off for the first 30 minutes or so of the film, but when it picks up, the story moves at just the right pace, one that works for the film and the viewers. The way the film works once it passes the first third is lovely to watch, entertaining, and filled with vulnerability from the filmmaker who also happens be playing the support role of the father.
David Cook not only wrote and directed the film, but he also co-stars in it, giving himself the role of the rough father who is not fully opened to the possibilities in his son’s life. His portrayal here works in a gruff and sometimes emotional manner. Joining him as his son is Parker Little who takes the film and runs away with it once he’s given the chance. His work here is solid and sells the whole film, even in some of the harder to believe scenes and moments. His work here is layered, natural, and vulnerable for most of the film. His performance perfectly shows the character shift that this young man goes through. The supporting cast here is solid as well with a few coming out on top of the bunch with Matt Young stealing each and every scene he is in.
Director of photography Nathan Jermyn handles the cinematography here and it is lovely. The work brought to the screen here is well-planned, framed, and shot with great use of light both natural and artificial to make the film look its best. The film’s images here worth just right with the story, getting brighter when needed and darker when needed. There is something here that is very appealing on the visual side of things, taking a story that most in mostly expected way and making it so much more.
Heart of the Man is a solid drama about finding oneself, standing up for oneself, and being accepted as you are. The writing and direction work, the performances are good to great, and the imagery is on point throughout. This is one of those films that makes you forget that the first half hour was a bit sluggish once the story really gets going. Heart of the Man is a great entry in the coming-of-age subgenre, one that focuses on a gay man finding himself, his place, and his voice while remaining accessible to all.