At two and a half minutes into the new YouTube video for "Elders React to In A Heartbeat," one of the women makes a sound filled with anguish that's all too relatable for anyone whose seen the viral new short film. For those of you who haven't had your hearts break alongside the animated short, In A Heartbeat is about a boy who has a crush on another boy and centers on his out of control heart. It's beautiful, heartbreaking and happy--kind of like the rollercoaster of emotions you felt during the opening credits of Up but a lot gayer.
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In the Elders React series, the wily band of senior citizens sit down to watch the short film unfold and give us no shortage of priceless reactions. We're all the old man mumbling "anxiety anxiety." As the film unfolds, the elders laugh, cry out in anguish, and, eventually, many just end up crying in general.
It's a testament to the power of the award-winning and acclaimed student film. Don't just stay for the reaction shots, though. After the credits roll and they collect their emotions, the elders talk about the importance of seeing a same-sex love story that focuses on the simplicity of a childhood crush and how this narrative would never have happened when they were kids. As the swagged out elder with the "Sir Worldwide" hat explained, "It's a new day now."
