nebmac

"The Sweetening" is somewhat reminiscent of the 80's Twilight Zone episode "Dreams for Sale," except more disturbing now that the basic premise is within the realm of possibility. Grace Rowe does triple duty as the writer, director, and lead actor in this story about a woman who signs up to test an Artificial Intelligence program in an attempt to get a temporary reprieve from her unsatisfying life. Rowe's portrayal of her character's misery is heartbreakingly accurate, particularly in the interactions with her husband and young children. My only criticism is that the plot feels a little too emotionally reserved, though that may be a blessing in disguise because the film's real-life implications are actually quite depressing.

Having been a jaded young person, I can sympathize with the writers' urge to create a work that takes a cynical look at dating and relationships. However, the end result comes across as nothing more than a TikTok rant with an outsized budget.

The plot, or what passes for one, consists of two people who meet outside a party and seem to hit it off until one of them inexplicably freaks out and delivers a monologue combining the vapid self-absorption of a social media influencer with a level of neuroticism worthy of a "Seinfeld" character. This scenario repeats several times, with minor variations, until the credits roll and the viewer is left with a desire to transport to a parallel universe and avoid watching this so-called film.

Considering that it was made several years before anyone had an inkling that COVID-19 would become a household name, this film's portrayal of life in 2025 (which is still four months away as I write this, but close enough) is uncannily accurate. Sure, some elements are exaggerated for comic effect, similar in tone to classics like "Office Space," but the underlying ideas of widespread loneliness and excessive reliance on technology are spot-on. The story is supported by splendid acting, particularly the voice talents of Amy Schiels as a sassy, meddlesome AI. Overall, "A Date in 2025" strikes the right balance between comedy and drama, with a hint of suspense.