Rubber Heart
26-Apr-2018
After a painful dry spell a woman attempts to have a one night stand. Directed by Lizzy Sanford, “Rubber Heart” is an open and honest comedy examining issues of gender roles and expectations of appearance. The man doesn’t know how to react when faced with Anna’s pubic hair. Trying to compensate for what has obviously rattled him: ”I like a woman with ‘the bush.’ That’s cool.” As she stands there exposed, he stammers on as if she needs his permission before entering bed, “I think it’s awesome. I think a woman should do what she wants to do down there.” Losing confidence by the second, she seeks some level of assurance, “I mean you’d still fuck me if I didn’t shave my legs?” By the time the act itself occurs, the intimacy is basically all lost and the film has dove deep into the travails of sex and connection. Sanford is able to accurately capture the awkwardness and vulnerability — the coital fumbling and post sex practicalities (e.g. finding an acceptable cum rag) are handled perfectly, and the whole thing is carried with wonderfully candid performances from Anna Cordell (also a co-writer) and Kevin Phillips. -KA.