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Sweetheart

  • 2021
  • 1h 43m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
Jo Hartley, Samuel Anderson, Sophia Di Martino, Ella-Rae Smith, Nell Barlow, and Tabitha Byron in Sweetheart (2021)
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.
Play trailer2:02
1 Video
7 Photos
ComedyDramaRomance

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.

  • Director
    • Marley Morrison
  • Writer
    • Marley Morrison
  • Stars
    • Nell Barlow
    • Jo Hartley
    • Ella-Rae Smith
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    1.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Marley Morrison
    • Writer
      • Marley Morrison
    • Stars
      • Nell Barlow
      • Jo Hartley
      • Ella-Rae Smith
    • 16User reviews
    • 40Critic reviews
    • 67Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 6 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:02
    Official Trailer

    Photos6

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    + 3
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    Top cast21

    Edit
    Nell Barlow
    Nell Barlow
    • AJ
    Jo Hartley
    Jo Hartley
    • Tina
    Ella-Rae Smith
    Ella-Rae Smith
    • Isla
    Sophia Di Martino
    Sophia Di Martino
    • Lucy
    Samuel Anderson
    Samuel Anderson
    • Steve
    Tabitha Byron
    Tabitha Byron
    • Dayna
    Steffan Cennydd
    Steffan Cennydd
    • Nathan
    William Andrews
    William Andrews
    • Phil the Magician
    Spike Fearn
    Spike Fearn
    • Elvis
    Anna Antoniades
    Anna Antoniades
    • Gemma G
    Celeste De Veazey
    • Bendy Wendy…
    Elizabeth Grace Hartley
    • Cabaret Singer
    Davey Hunter Jones
    • Christoph…
    Jack Hamson
    • Jamie
    Kayleigh Brown
    • Jemma J
    Keelan Gumbley
    • Keith the Barman
    Jamie Hagley
    • Guy in Caravan
    Anne Rathbone
    • Woman in Locker Room
    • Director
      • Marley Morrison
    • Writer
      • Marley Morrison
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews16

    6.41K
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    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.
    AI-generated from the text of user reviews

    Featured reviews

    10hlmorrison-70133

    Best LGBTQI comedy/drama out there!!

    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!
    8Goosegirl14

    Full of heart

    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.
    5coombsstephen

    Like someone's fantasy of coming out as a teen

    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.
    5Boristhemoggy

    Snoozefest

    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.
    7ops-52535

    oh how sweet it is...

    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.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Premiered at the 2021 Glasgow Film Festival and won the Audience Award.
    • Quotes

      AJ: [narrating] I've never seen sleeping beauty, but I'm pretty sure I know how it ends. And that's the problem.

    • Connections
      References Sleeping Beauty (1959)
    • Soundtracks
      Sweet
      Written by Dana Margolin

      Performed by Porridge Radio

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    FAQ

    • How long is Sweetheart?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 24, 2021 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Дорогенька
    • Filming locations
      • Bridport, Dorset, England, UK
    • Production companies
      • BBC Film
      • Bohemia Media
      • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross worldwide
      • $57,224
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 43 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

    Contribute to this page

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    Jo Hartley, Samuel Anderson, Sophia Di Martino, Ella-Rae Smith, Nell Barlow, and Tabitha Byron in Sweetheart (2021)
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