The Heart Knows – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Heart Knows

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025

52%

WISE Score

Heart transplant recipient meets his donor's widow in this 2025 Netflix romance that critics say has more sentimentality than substance.

6.7

→

The Heart Knows

movie

2025

52%

WISE Score

Heart transplant recipient meets his donor's widow in this 2025 Netflix romance that critics say has more sentimentality than substance.

6.7

Jump to

Also rated on

6.7

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, the premise is sweet—guy gets a heart transplant, feels different, tracks down his donor's life and falls for the widow. It's got all the ingredients for a touching drama about grief, connection, and second chances.

But here's the thing: a 5.8 on IMDb is 'meh' territory, and that 2.4 out of 5 on Letterboxd? That's film nerds saying 'we actively disliked this.' For a 2025 release, that's rough. It suggests the execution is either overly sentimental, poorly paced, or just plain boring.

The themes are mature enough (death, organ donation, widow navigating grief) that it's not for younger kids anyway, and teens who ARE old enough would probably rather watch something with better reviews. If you've got a 14-year-old who loves weepy romance and you've exhausted other options, sure, give it a shot. But don't expect anyone to be raving about it afterward.

It's the kind of movie that'll be in your 'Continue Watching' queue for six months before you finally just remove it.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who can handle themes of death and grief without getting spooked, though honestly, the weak ratings suggest most teens would rather watch literally anything else on Netflix.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Romance-drama about grief, connection, and healing models emotional vulnerability and kindness. The premise of exploring a donor's life to understand personality changes is tender, though the mixed ratings (5.8 IMDb, 2.4/5 Letterboxd) suggest execution may be uneven or melodramatic. Common Sense age 13+ indicates some mature themes around death and loss, but the core story appears emotionally healthy.

Imaginative

The 'personality shift after heart transplant' premise has some imaginative intrigue, but it's well-trodden territory in romance-drama. The concept invites curiosity about identity and memory, but there's no indication this film brings fresh perspective or creative storytelling to the idea. Low ratings suggest it plays things safe and predictable rather than exploring the premise in innovative ways.

Safe

Common Sense age 13+ and romance-drama genre suggest no graphic content, but themes of death (heart donor), grief (widow), and loss mean younger viewers could find it emotionally heavy. No indicators of violence, sexuality, or shocking content, but the subject matter itself requires emotional readiness. Standard Netflix fare for teens, not something that would blindside a family.

Enriching

Explores grief, identity, organ donation, and human connection—all potentially meaningful themes. Could spark conversations about loss, gratitude, and how we honor those who've passed. However, the weak ratings (especially 2.4/5 on Letterboxd) suggest the film may handle these themes in a superficial or overly sentimental way that doesn't deliver real insight. Entertainment value appears questionable based on audience response.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores organ donation and gratitude in a way that could spark meaningful family conversations
Models emotional vulnerability and processing grief in healthy ways
Short runtime (89 minutes) means it won't overstay its welcome
Could help teens understand complex feelings about identity and connection

⚠

What to Watch For

Death and grief are central themes—not for kids who struggle with loss or separation anxiety
Low ratings (especially that brutal 2.4/5 on Letterboxd) suggest this might be a slog even for romance fans
May veer into melodrama or manipulation rather than genuine emotional depth
The 'personality changes after transplant' concept has pseudoscience vibes that aren't addressed

Conversation Starters

"Do you think getting an organ transplant would change who you are as a person?"
"How do you think Vale felt meeting someone who had her husband's heart?"
"What would you want people to know about you if you were an organ donor?"
"The movie suggests personality can transfer through a heart—what do you think about that idea?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about The Heart Knows? Put this WISE score on your site