The protagonist, Bobby Garfield (played by Anton Yelchin as a young boy and by David Morse as an adult), is a young boy growing up in a small town in Connecticut in the 1960s. Bobby lives with his single mother, Liz (played by Hope Davis), who struggles to make ends meet while working long hours as a waitress.
Bobby’s life changes when a mysterious new neighbor named Ted Brautigan (played by Anthony Hopkins) moves into the upstairs apartment of their boarding house. Ted is a reclusive and enigmatic figure who hires Bobby to perform odd jobs around the house.
As Bobby spends more time with Ted, he learns that Ted possesses psychic abilities, including the power of telekinesis and the ability to see glimpses of the future. Ted warns Bobby about the dangers of a shadowy government organization known as “the Low Men,” who are searching for individuals with psychic abilities like Ted’s.
Despite the risks, Bobby forms a deep bond with Ted, who becomes a mentor and father figure to him, teaching him valuable life lessons and encouraging him to embrace his own potential. However, their idyllic friendship is threatened by the looming presence of the Low Men, who are closing in on Ted and Bobby.
As the tension escalates, Bobby must confront his fears and make difficult choices to protect Ted and himself from the dangers that surround them. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of love.
Interwoven with Bobby’s story are flashbacks to his childhood, where he forms close friendships with two other boys, Carol (played by Will Rothhaar) and Sully (played by Adam LeFevre). Together, they navigate the challenges of growing up in a turbulent and changing world, finding solace and companionship in each other’s company.
In a poignant and bittersweet climax, Bobby reflects on his past and the lessons he has learned from Ted and his friends. He comes to terms with the inevitability of change and the fleeting nature of youth, cherishing the memories of his childhood and the bonds that have shaped him into the person he has become.
“Hearts in Atlantis” is a nostalgic and heartfelt film that captures the essence of Stephen King’s coming-of-age tale with its poignant storytelling, richly drawn characters, and evocative atmosphere. Through its exploration of friendship, loss, and the passage of time, the movie offers a moving tribute to the enduring power of memory and the innocence of youth.