ReelBob: ‘Bowen’s Heart’ ★★★½

By Bob Bloom

“Bowen’s Heart” is an emotionally impactful documentary not just about how chronic illness impacts a family, but about how love and devotion strengthens the bonds of that family.

Bowen Hammitt was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital heart disease. In layman’s terms it means Bowen only has half a heart.

As an infant, Bowen had two surgeries. He had a third when he when he was 8 years old. And while these procedures could not fix Bowen’s heart, they were able to give him a semblance of a normal life.

And when Bowen gets older, it is possible he can undergo a heart transplant.

But that is for the future. Now, Bowen remains as active as possible, surrounded by the love and support of his parents, Matt and Sarah Hammitt, and his three siblings, Claire, Emmy and Lewis.

Much of “Bowen’s Heart” looks at the mental and emotional toll his illness takes on the family. His parents must balance Bowen’s needs with those of his sisters and brothers, so they do not feel neglected or resentful.

Matt and Sarah also must walk a fine line between optimism and truth about Bowen’s condition. Most of the time, they are upbeat and hopeful.

But in private moments, filmmakers Lexi Read and Zach Read chronicle their fears, doubts and frustrations.

They are especially torn about Bowen’s third surgery. Originally, doctors wanted to do the third surgery when Bowen was still an infant, but his parents believed he was doing well enough, so they continued to delay it.

The movie picks up when Bowen’s condition begins to worsen and he needs the procedure.

“Bowen’s Heart” is a powerful movie. As you watch, you shed tears for the heartache the family is going through as well as tears of joy for the resilience of Bowen and his family.

The pressure on Sarah and Matt, especially the pre-operation procedures that must be done to keep Bowen safe, are enormous, bringing Sarah to tears, fearful that she might do something wrong that could hurt Bowen.

The Reads interview Bowen’s siblings who also open up about their fears of possibly losing their brother.

The family’s faith fortifies their resolve that Bowen will survive and return home with them.

The movie brings awareness to HLHS, which is a rather rare condition. More than that, it demonstrates how belief and unconditional love help families cope under extraordinary circumstances.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, 4K UHD, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob.com or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.

BOWEN’S HEART
3½ stars out of 4
Not rated