Sweetheart

Sweetheart (2021) is a movie from the UK that was written and directed by Marley Morrison. It stars Nell Barlow as AJ, a troubled, depressed adolescent. Jo Hartley portrays Tina, her mother. Ella-Rae Smith is Isla, a lifeguard at the caravan beach resort where the family goes for a vacation.

AJ is the protagonist, so we naturally want to see things her way. However, she's hard to like. In movies, as in life, sullen depressed people pull you down, even when you try to lift them up. That's how the movie starts, and the plot continues from there.

This is a pretty good film, especially because the actors are talented professionals. It's definitely not a feel-good movie, although it has its moments. We saw Sweetheart virtually as part of ImageOut, the outstanding Rochester LGBT Film Festival. The movie has an IMDb rating of 6.9. I agreed, and rated it 7.

This was such a great film. The type of film that evokes almost the full spectrum of emotions! I laughed, felt frustration, annoyance, sadness and mu heart glowed a lot by the end! Serious subjects and issues confronted but in an accessible and very relatable way.

At the beginning what seem to be fairly obvious and stereotypical (even comical?) characters, soon become complex and deeply developed people with who most people could find reflections of themselves. I thought the performances were excellent. Most significantly by Nell Barlow, Ella-Rae Smith and the sometimes overlooked Jo Hartley, who I wish we saw more of. I hope after this film she is considered for lead parts in prime time dramas.

A British set film.

Marley Morrison's gem of a debut film Sweetheart, is that type of film sadly probably end up near the bottom of most streaming sites and probably go out of print on DVD or Blu-Ray over the next few years. Which is a damn shame cause it's a great coming of age film set on hoilday beach resorts in the UK.

It's not a film with the usual British character actors or has a major budget (to be fair, besides maybe durng the 80's disco scene near the end with it's soundtrack. You rarely feel the low budget). Even the cast is really only 10 people and three of them are only seen here and there.

The film is pretty much carried by. Nell Barlow as AJ (she won a award or two in the UK for her performance, well deserved too). In a lesser actress hands, AJ could be really dislikeable. But Barlow makes you care for AJ. She's definitely someone to keep a eye out for in the future.

Also the underused and always great Jo Hartley as AJ's mum almost steals the film from Barlow and is given a few nice scenes at the end. Sophia Di Martino as AJ's sister is probably the most well known to many for her role in Loki. But she's great. As is Samuel Anderson as AJ's brother in law and little. Tabitha Bryon as AJ's younger sister.

I also like AJ's love interest Isla (played nicely by. Ella-Rae Smith). The romance gets plenty of film's running time. And nice mix of romance and drama between them. Smith and Barlow have great chemistry. The film has the usual parent and misunderstood teen drama you expect from films like this. But it's done really well. Aslo it's nice that AJ's sexuality isn't a major point of the film, she's already out to her family before the film even begins.

The ending is a nice bittersweet one. I think the right ending to go with for this film.

I have to keep my eye out for Marley Morrison and Nell Barlow for the future. A shame the film didn't find a big audience as it was released mid way through the pandemic (it's only got 746 votes on IMDB). It's not a lost classic or anything but it's a better film then it's 6.6 rating on here.

A gentle coming of age film, that anyone who remembers their teenage years will identify with.

Experiencing those awkward times when you are still finding out who you are.

When no-one understands you, not even your family, even though they have your best interests at heart.

Beautifully portrayed by a convincing cast, set in a picturesque if typically British holiday camp location.

Captures all the gentle angst of family holidays with different generations convinced they know what everyone else needs to do to enjoy themselves.

Add in romance and what's not to like.

Definitely recommend it 👌

Though there are more drugs than perhaps would be realistic at the holiday park this is a story about being a queer teen and working stuff out. AJ is like a real kid and the dynamics and struggles are what every British kid knows. Nobody is in the wrong and it truly builds empathy which is great to see. Honestly a great movie with a great soundtrack and is funny amongst the angst. It is positive about people who struggle with their gender and their sexuality without showing any shame in relation to these issues. So, watch able and the cringe is worth it because of the happiness and sweetness shown.