[1] It was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.

[2] It was selected as the Finnish entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.

Barry Hertz from The Globe and Mail gave the film 2.5 out of 4, stating: "With Stupid Young Heart, director Selma Vilhunen attempts to dissect the attraction a fringe group might offer for the youthful and dispossessed, and while her intentions are noble, the execution is as shaky as the current geopolitical environment.

"[5] Michael McNeely from "That Shelf" said: "Limited characterization and a static plot prevent the film from soaring.

"[7] For The Canadian Press, David Friend said, "while 'Stupid Young Heart' ties up a complicated story too easily, it draws some light to how fringe groups find weakness and exploit it for their own agenda.