Writer/director Xavier Dolan plays Francis. He's gay. Monia Chokri is his friend Marie. Niels Schneider is curly-headed hunk Nicolas, who they meet at a party. Marie describes him as Adonis. Francis and Marie both fall for the guy, shove friendship aside and become rivals for his love. He returns their quest for friendship, but that return is limited to just friendship.

Heartbeats is their eternal triangle story. Dolan's filmmaking is interesting, and the movie is very well done. The acting is pretty good. What doesn't have much appeal is the story. The three meet. They party. Francis and Marie jostle for position and pout. Nicholas is clueless.

Heartbeats may be the title, but the movie is missing a heartbeat.

Heartbeats

Director: Xavier Dolan

Stars: Xavier Dolan, Monia Chokri, Niels Schneider

Mr. Movie rating: 3 stars

Not rated, probably PG-13 for mature themes, brief nudity. It plays at 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Battelle Auditorium in Richland.

5 stars to 4 1/2 stars: Must see on the big screen

4 stars to 3 1/2 stars: Good film, see it if it's your type of movie.

3 stars to 2 1/2 stars: Wait until it comes out on DVD.

2 stars to 1 star: Don't bother.

0 stars: Speaks for itself.