Not all is fair in love and war at first in the Purple Hearts trailer.

Aspiring singer-songwriter Cassie Salazar (Sofia Carson) has one thing on her mind: sharing her voice with the world. Chasing her dreams isn’t exactly easy when she’s juggling multiple jobs and trying to keep her Type I diabetes at bay. Raised by an immigrant single mother and navigating a cruel health-care system, Cassie has seen how the “Land of the Free” has been everything but for people like her. The hotly anticipated film, premiering July 29, explores the line between the real and the imagined — and the intricacies of falling for someone you never expected. Here’s what you should know ahead of watching the film.

What is Purple Hearts about?

When she meets US Marine Luke Morrow (Nicholas Galitzine) during a chance encounter, it’s clear to Cassie that they couldn’t be any more different. Luke is willing to put his life on the line to fight for his country and doesn’t understand what Cassie’s doing besides complaining. Despite their opposing worldviews, they discover one thing they have in common is financial debt. After learning that Marine spouses get full health benefits and extra pay, Cassie comes up with an idea to marry Luke. Although the marriage is temporary, their true feelings for each other are revealed when an unexpected tragedy sends Luke home earlier than expected. 

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Where does Purple Hearts take place?

The film is set primarily in Oceanside, California, where Cassie is from. Having to work multiple jobs, she’s never had the time to explore beyond her hometown, but her rising music career just may be her ticket out. Purple Hearts also filmed at Marines Corps Base Camp Pendleton, as well as the Hollywood Bowl. “To say that performing at the Hollywood Bowl was surreal would be an understatement,” Carson told Netflix. “To perform at the Hollywood Bowl, while shooting a film so dear to my heart — a film that I had the honor of executive producing — while performing a song I wrote, was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.”

Which characters do we follow?

Sofia Carson plays Cassie Salazar, a passionate singer-songwriter who always leaves her ego at the door. She works at the local dive bar, delivers food for DoorDash and performs gigs with her band. Even with multiple sources of income, she still comes up short when it comes to paying for her insulin. Although the world seems to be conspiring against her, she holds tightly to her beliefs. She advocates for marginalized communities and speaks up against injustice. 

Nicholas Galitzine plays Luke Morrow, a clean-cut Marine who’s ready for deployment — but Luke hasn’t always been your all-American boy. He’s estranged from his father, an ex-military police officer, and he’s embroiled in debt from a troubled past. Looking to prove his father wrong and start anew, Luke enlists in the Marines. He’s proud to serve and protect his country, but sees Cassie’s commentary as nothing but disrespect for those in uniform. Still, he goes along with her plan to get married in order to pay off his debts. 

What’s the song in the trailer called?

“Come Back Home,” which was co-written and performed by Carson, is one of four original songs featured in the film. Due to their brief acquaintance before Luke is deployed, the newlyweds don’t actually know much about each other. While he’s away, Cassie teaches her new husband about her passion for music, singing snippets of a new composition to Luke and his comrades through a webcam. He becomes her muse and inspiration for the song. Through “Come Back Home,” Carson and Luke learn to find common ground. The upcoming Purple Hearts soundtrack is available on July 29, but you can listen to the song HERE.

When does Purple Hearts come out?

It premieres July 29 on Netflix.

Purple Hearts Trailer