In the camp ofMiseryandHard CandycomesEmma Higgins’not-so-sugary thrillerSweetness.
It’s a suburban tale of bullied outcasts coming of age through parasocial delusionwhen fantasy becomes a nightmare.
What Is ‘Sweetness’ About?
Image via SXSW
Kate Hallettstars in the deeply mature role of 16-year-old Rylee, a tomboy target of high school harassment.
As fate intervenes, Rylee would be getting more than her ticket’s worth that night.
Production designerElecta Poradoyouthfully designs Rylee’s bedroom sanctuary like any lovestruck teen.
Sweetness follows 16-year-old Rylee as she navigates the complexities of adolescence upon meeting her rockstar idol, only to uncover his struggle with addiction. Her determination to assist him propels her into a challenging reality, exploring themes of fantasy and the harshness of truth.
CinematographerMat Barkleycaptures the Tiger Beat vibe well and better frames Payton’s sweaty and electric stage performances.
Higgins' past experiences directing bands like Tegan and Sara lend organic glamor to the fame-driven hostage scenario.
There’s something amiss in Anywhere, America, which lets visual storytelling convey sinister undertones despite itsPleasantvilleexterior.
Performances are front and center inSweetness, anchored by Hallett’s outstanding portrayal of a broken spirit.
Rylee doesn’t want Payton to herself.
Aya Furukawa plays the nervous accomplice and helps counterbalance Rylee’s twisted intervention, adding another element of distress.
As scenes advance and stakes rise,Higgins only spikes tensionthere’s no backing down.
Rylee also has access to private household holding cells for Payton, and staying secret is hardly a problem.
Sweetness, like theJimmy Eat Worldsong, sinks into sweet uncertainty.
Higgins makes no mistake about Payton’s predicament.
It’s psychologically dreadful and harrowing, keying into the hopelessness of teenage wastelands where self-worth goes to die.
They say never meet your heroeswell,Sweetnessshows why that mantra works in reverse, too.
Sweetnesspremiered at the 2025 SXSW Festival.
