Heartaches (1981)

Heartaches Poster

A young wife becomes pregnant, but the child's father is not her husband. Afraid to tell him, she leaves home, and meets an outgoing, free-spirited woman on a bus. Although the two are polar opposites, the wife moves in with the young woman, and finds out that they have much more in common than she realized.

Movie Summary
"Heartaches" is a 1981 Canadian movie directed by Donald Shebib, a film that explores the relationship characteristics between two ladies. Margot Kidder, understood for her function as Lois Lane in Superman, plays the character of Rita, while Annie Potts, recognized for her role in Ghostbusters, represents Bonnie Howard.

Setting and Plot
The film is embeded in various areas in Toronto, Canada. It starts with Bonnie, a relatively arrested but warm-hearted lady who lives a monotonous life with her partner, Stanley. One day, to break this uniformity of life, she decides to help the poverty-stricken and pregnant Rita, whose boyfriend abandons her.

The story picks up as they chose to cohabit in the very same house, exposing the plain distinctions in between their characters. Bonnie, the naïve and positive wife of an irresponsible loser, counters Rita, a negative, pregnant lady who is uncertain about the future of her coming kid.

Character Development
Kidder's intense representation of the hardened and cynical Rita contrasts Potts' representation of the innocent and cheerful Bonnie, who takes every dissatisfaction in stride. Throughout the film, the females's bond deepens and they navigate the intricacies of altering household structure, social expectations, and personal desires.

Bonnie grows to truly look after Rita, treating her like a sis she never ever had, while Rita, at first doubtful and aloof, gradually heated up towards her. Their bond is tested through numerous difficulties that consist of deceit, a miscarriage, and the pressure to comply with societal standards.

Themes and Symbolism
"Heartaches" discuss important styles that show personal and societal issues. It checks out relationship, generosity, loss, and the disasters and happiness of daily life. The movie underscores the significance of developing a chosen household and how this can be an empowering act.

Additionally, it likewise tackles women's social expectations, especially regarding marriage and motherhood, manifesting through Bonnie's stopped working marital relationship and Rita's unexpected pregnancy. The film subtly communicates that their strength depends on their relationship, their bond to face any challenges together, challenging the traditional concept of family and women's functions.

Ending
In the end, Bonnie's other half, Stanley, leaves her for a rich lady, while Rita brings to life a baby girl, deciding to keep her, and celebrates her motherhood with Bonnie. The film concludes on a confident note, portraying Bonnie and Rita's solidarity in spite of their hearts' pains.

Critical Reception
"Heartaches" garnered the attention of critics both in Canada and abroad, mainly for its strong character development, focused plot, and the brilliant performance represented by Margot Kidder and Annie Potts. Kidder was awarded the Genie Award for Best Lead Actress for her role as Rita while Robert Guza Jr. was nominated for Best Screenplay. The film delights in a specific niche following due to its effective depiction of womanhood, relationship, and durability.

Although it does not have an overly significant storyline, "Heartaches" is a compelling film that provokes deep thought and feelings about life's difficulties, the essence of relationship, and the non-traditional bonds that often end up being the closest relationships we have.

Top Cast

  • Margot Kidder (small)
    Margot Kidder
    Rita Harris
  • Annie Potts (small)
    Annie Potts
    Bonnie Howard
  • Robert Carradine (small)
    Robert Carradine
    Stanley Howard
  • Winston Rekert (small)
    Winston Rekert
    Marcello
  • George Touliatos (small)
    George Touliatos
    Mario
  • Guy Sanvido
    Aldo
  • Arnie Achtman
    Alvin
  • Michael Zelniker (small)
    Michael Zelniker
    Andy
  • Jefferson Mappin
    Willy
  • Maureen Fitzgerald
    Anna
  • Albert Bernardo
    Stefane