5.4/10
Senior Film Conservator

A definitive 5.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Two Hearts in Wax Time remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school weirdness and don't mind a story that feels like it was written on a bar napkin, sure. It’s for the folks who get a kick out of practical effects that look like they were held together with tape and prayers. If you need a logical plot or high-stakes drama, steer clear. You’ll probably hate it if you get annoyed by people stumbling around looking confused for half the runtime.
So, our lead is just a guy. He carries mannequins. He drinks. Then he drinks some more. It’s not exactly I Was a Spy when it comes to intensity, that's for sure. 🍸
The moment the mannequins start moving, it’s… something. It’s not scary, really. It’s more like watching your furniture decide to throw a party while you’re passed out on the rug. The lighting in that display window is surprisingly moody, though. Whoever set that up deserves a drink.
There’s a scene where he’s trying to organize the window display and the mannequins just keep leaning. It goes on for way too long. It’s almost painful to watch him try to balance them. It’s like the movie is daring you to look away.
It’s not trying to be a deep dive into the soul. It’s just a weird little short about a guy who might need to put the bottle down. It’s not as tightly put together as A Quiet Street, but it’s got way more plastic people dancing. Honestly, that’s a win in my book. 🕺
The whole thing feels like a fever dream. You know, the kind where you wake up and wonder if you ever actually slept. Don't look for meaning here. Just watch the plastic people move and enjoy the mess.