Sweetheart
- 2021
- 1h 43m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
A socially awkward, environmentally conscious teenager named AJ is dragged to a coastal holiday park by her painfully 'normal' family, where she becomes unexpectedly captivated by a chlorine... Read allA socially awkward, environmentally conscious teenager named AJ is dragged to a coastal holiday park by her painfully 'normal' family, where she becomes unexpectedly captivated by a chlorine smelling, sun-loving lifeguard named Isla.A socially awkward, environmentally conscious teenager named AJ is dragged to a coastal holiday park by her painfully 'normal' family, where she becomes unexpectedly captivated by a chlorine smelling, sun-loving lifeguard named Isla.
- Awards
- 5 wins & 6 nominations total
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Summary
Reviewers say 'Sweetheart' is a coming-of-age film exploring teenage angst, family dynamics, and self-discovery. The talented cast, especially Nell Barlow as AJ and Jo Hartley as her mother, is praised. The British holiday camp setting is noted for authenticity. The film's subtle and realistic handling of LGBTQ+ themes is appreciated. Humor and emotional depth are highlighted, though some critique the sound mix and voiceover use. Overall, 'Sweetheart' is seen as a relatable and engaging portrayal of adolescence and family life.
Featured reviews
Looking for a feel good movie that captivates the true side to life in the shoes of a young gay 17 year old?? Sweetheart is definitely everything you need for a film night in... look no further!
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.
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.
An ok film about an akward teen coming out to a very pretty girl. However It seemed like someone's idea of the ideal way of coming out rather than what I guess real life is actually like.
It's ok if a little slow and maybe could have been a bit more like real life with a more realistic live interest.
It's ok if a little slow and maybe could have been a bit more like real life with a more realistic live interest.
I watched this for the 'socially awkward' element. I am interested in peoples' experiences and opinions of teens and adults who experience this 'not fitting in'.
There definitely were some scenes where you could see the impact social anxiety has on all of the family, but sadly this was done in and 'Eastenders' way in that it was all melodramatic, shouting, hissy fits, huffs and making up.
That of course is an element of life but you'd think skilled film makers would find a way to film it all from the perspective of the emotions inside of each person, not the external shouting and name calling.
This is typical of BBC programmes where everything has to be what they call gritty, or down to earth. It's a bit sad that that's the only way they think they can sell a show.
There were a few odd good bits in mainly from Nell Barlow who I've never seen but really liked. She seemed authentic and I noticed things she did which mirrored actions of socially awkward people that I know.
I gave this a 5 mostly for Barlow, but sadly the film as a whole was mishandled by poor dialogue, videography and direction.
There definitely were some scenes where you could see the impact social anxiety has on all of the family, but sadly this was done in and 'Eastenders' way in that it was all melodramatic, shouting, hissy fits, huffs and making up.
That of course is an element of life but you'd think skilled film makers would find a way to film it all from the perspective of the emotions inside of each person, not the external shouting and name calling.
This is typical of BBC programmes where everything has to be what they call gritty, or down to earth. It's a bit sad that that's the only way they think they can sell a show.
There were a few odd good bits in mainly from Nell Barlow who I've never seen but really liked. She seemed authentic and I noticed things she did which mirrored actions of socially awkward people that I know.
I gave this a 5 mostly for Barlow, but sadly the film as a whole was mishandled by poor dialogue, videography and direction.
To hate all and everyone, due to the hormonal developments in a young british teenagers body, growing up in a society where sexual norms has smoldered into pieces and the choice of the 2 standard gender has become multible genders, that makes a bewildered and confused young lass become a danger to society and family, and the psychosocial stand to take becomes the toughest task to make in your lifetime.
Even though sad and serious, it has a bright side too, of warmth and giggelish british humour, with some archbritish holiday/caravan park amusement, and a dressing code and make up taste that only the brits can do.
The grumpy old man and ditto wife that agrees that we are glad that ''we have had the time of our life'', had a good laugh at times, its not a perfect match, but made to make you feel and emphasize. A 7 for this lot.
Even though sad and serious, it has a bright side too, of warmth and giggelish british humour, with some archbritish holiday/caravan park amusement, and a dressing code and make up taste that only the brits can do.
The grumpy old man and ditto wife that agrees that we are glad that ''we have had the time of our life'', had a good laugh at times, its not a perfect match, but made to make you feel and emphasize. A 7 for this lot.
Did you know
- TriviaPremiered at the 2021 Glasgow Film Festival and won the Audience Award.
- ConnectionsReferences Sleeping Beauty (1959)
- SoundtracksSweet
Written by Dana Margolin
Performed by Porridge Radio
- How long is Sweetheart?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Дорогенька
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $57,224
- Runtime1 hour 43 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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