Murmur of the Heart (1971)
Kernel Score: 78% · 207 ratings
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Released: 1971-04-27
Runtime: 118 minutes
Where to watch Murmur of the Heart
- Stream: The Criterion Channel
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
This loosely plotted coming-of-age tale follows the life of 15-year-old Laurent Chevalier as he stumbles his way over the burgeoning swell of adolescence in 1950s France. After having his first sexual experience with a prostitute and dodging the lips of a priest, Chevalier contracts a case of scarlet fever. When the fever leaves him with a heart murmur, Chevalier is placed in a sanatorium, along with his over-attentive and adulterous mother.
Murmur of the Heart parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that Murmur of the Heart is a mature French coming-of-age drama involving a teenager's sexual initiation with a prostitute and an incestuous relationship with his mother.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Intense — Depicts a 15-year-old's first sexual experience with a prostitute and an incestuous mother-son relationship.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: A little — Includes adult smoking and social drinking in its 1950s French setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Murmur of the Heart
If you liked Murmur of the Heart, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- School of Life (2017) — 84%
- Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005) — 78%
- Band of Outsiders (1964) — 83%
- Charm City Kings (2020) — 88%
- Chico & Rita (2010) — 80%
Director
Cast
- Lea Massari as Clara Chevalier
- Benoît Ferreux as Laurent Chevalier
- Marc Winocourt as Marc Chevalier
- Fabien Ferreux as Thomas Chevalier
- Daniel Gélin as Charles Chevalier
- Michael Lonsdale as Father Henri
- Ave Ninchi as Augusta
- Annie Savarin as Cook
- Gila von Weitershausen as Freda, prostitute
- Micheline Bona as Aunt Claudine
Murmur of the Heart FAQ
Is Murmur of the Heart good?
Murmur of the Heart has a 78% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 207 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Murmur of the Heart?
In the US you can stream Murmur of the Heart on The Criterion Channel.
Is Murmur of the Heart OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Murmur of the Heart is a mature French coming-of-age drama involving a teenager's sexual initiation with a prostitute and an incestuous relationship with his mother.
What movies are like Murmur of the Heart?
If you liked Murmur of the Heart, try School of Life, Me and You and Everyone We Know, Band of Outsiders and Charm City Kings.