Little Sweetheart is a thriller with a lot of problems. While the basic idea for the plot is good; the execution is rather uneven and many of the plot details don't hold up to close scrutiny in some cases; and outright don't follow any sort of logic in others. However, for me the film gets round all of its problems simply by being very entertaining for the entire duration. The idea of a child being immoral enough to commit murder purposely has surfaced occasionally in films ever since it was done brilliantly in 1956 with The Bad Seed; and generally it at least provides an interesting film. That is certainly the case here. This film focuses on a nine year old girl named Thelma. She is introduced to another girl her age, Elizabeth, when her parents move to the town Thelma lives in. Shortly thereafter, a couple turns up and Thelma takes an interest in them. The male half of the couple at first sees the girls as being rather cute and harmless; but this changes when the girls realise they can play the couple to their advantage.
Cassie Barasch takes the lead role and fully convinces with it. She always seems at home with the role and it's very easy to take her seriously as the young kid with an agenda. She is joined by Ellie Raab; who puts in a similarly effective portrayal, but the standout has to be John Hurt; who as usual delivers the standout performance. The film is always driven by the story rather than just the premise, and the drama is very character lead. Writer-director Anthony Simmons skilfully keeps the film interesting by constantly introducing new twists and ideas and never leaving the film long enough for it to get stale. Of course, the plot is rather unlikely (this is even acknowledged at one point in the film) but that never gets in the way too much and even the less likely elements of it never really throw a spanner into the works. The film flows well throughout, and boils down to a well orchestrated and suitable conclusion. This film is not an easy one to find; but its well worth seeking out if you enjoy entertaining thrillers.
