Purple Hearts (2022)

Purple Hearts (2022) is a new American musical romance film created for Netflix and directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Tess Wakefield, it tells the story of Cassie Salazar, a young woman who serves and performs with her band, The Loyal, at a local bar. Recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she struggles to afford the expensive medication needed to manage her condition. One night, while working at the bar, she meets a group of Marines who are about to be deployed to Iraq. Among them is Luke Morrow, who takes an interest in Cassie but is turned down.

Frankie, the wedding witness, entrusts Cassie with the ring intended for Riley. Later, the newlyweds join Frankie and Luke’s fellow marines at a bar. Cassie clashes with one of them during a toast about hunting Arabs, causing tension with Luke. However, in order to maintain appearances, they pretend to reconcile. That evening, Luke opens up about his fears regarding both their marriage and deployment to Iraq. Cassie offers comfort and they spend an intimate night together. The following day, the Marines are deployed. Despite the distance, Cassie and Luke stay connected through emails and video calls – all for show. She reveals that she has written a song titled “Come Back Home” for the Marines and performs it for them, lifting their spirits after a difficult day.