‘Euphoria’ actor Jacob Elordi discusses heartbreaking, heartwarming ‘2 Hearts’
A new movie opening in theaters nationwide on Oct. 16 tells the uplifting and heart-wrenching stories of two couples. “2 Hearts” follows the timelines of two men, one is a college student who falls for his classmate and the other a Cuban exile who woos a flight attendant.
“It’s a movie about people and strangers and how you never really know how your path is going to intersect with other people,” said “Euphoria” actor Jacob Elordi, who plays Christopher Gregory in the film. “It’s a real human story.”
Elordi describes his character as a “wonderful, lovely boy.”
“He’s kind and full of heart and super giving,” he said. “He’s based on a real person and on a really heartbreaking and heartwarming story.”
For those who want to be surprised by the film, there are spoilers ahead. For those who’d like to know more, especially about the movie’s connection to Florida, read on.
The movie is based on the true story of Christopher Gregory and Jorge Bacardi — yes, of the rum empire — whose last name has been changed to Bolivar in “2 Hearts.” Gregory passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 19. As an organ donor, he was able to help others even in death: His heart, liver, lungs, pancreas and kidneys were transferred to a Jacksonville hospital. One of the recipients was Bacardi.
Before learning the name of his organ donor, Bacardi wrote a letter to the Gregory family in which he referred to Chris as Gabriel, his saving angel. In Chris’ memory, Bacardi and his wife, Leslie, funded the Gabriel House of Care at the Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville campus. The nonprofit provides temporary lodging for transplant and cancer patients (as well as their caregivers) seeking treatment in Jacksonville.
“For the people that did know [Chris] and his family … I would wish them like an abundance of love and happiness. And I hope their lives are filled with kindness and the film brings them a smile,” Elordi said. “It’s quite frightening having
[the movie] come out because they knew this boy.”
The experience of filming “2 Hearts” proved meaningful for Elordi.
“I made some wonderful friends and meeting the Gregorys was … just super beautiful,” he said. “That meant a lot.”
Given everything going on in society today, from coronavirus to protests, Elordi said the movie’s release is perfectly timed.
“It might be the kind of film that can bring people a little hope who need it,” he said. “I think it would be rewarding to go and sit down and just process it and take it as it is.”
Catch “2 Hearts” in theaters starting Oct. 16. For more information about the movie, go to 2heartsthefilm.com.
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