Sweetheart

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.

Though there are more drugs than perhaps would be realistic at the holiday park this is a story about being a queer teen and working stuff out. AJ is like a real kid and the dynamics and struggles are what every British kid knows. Nobody is in the wrong and it truly builds empathy which is great to see. Honestly a great movie with a great soundtrack and is funny amongst the angst. It is positive about people who struggle with their gender and their sexuality without showing any shame in relation to these issues. So, watch able and the cringe is worth it because of the happiness and sweetness shown.

Sweetheart (2021) is a movie from the UK that was written and directed by Marley Morrison. It stars Nell Barlow as AJ, a troubled, depressed adolescent. Jo Hartley portrays Tina, her mother. Ella-Rae Smith is Isla, a lifeguard at the caravan beach resort where the family goes for a vacation.

AJ is the protagonist, so we naturally want to see things her way. However, she's hard to like. In movies, as in life, sullen depressed people pull you down, even when you try to lift them up. That's how the movie starts, and the plot continues from there.

This is a pretty good film, especially because the actors are talented professionals. It's definitely not a feel-good movie, although it has its moments. We saw Sweetheart virtually as part of ImageOut, the outstanding Rochester LGBT Film Festival. The movie has an IMDb rating of 6.9. I agreed, and rated it 7.

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.

A gentle coming of age film, that anyone who remembers their teenage years will identify with.

Experiencing those awkward times when you are still finding out who you are.

When no-one understands you, not even your family, even though they have your best interests at heart.

Beautifully portrayed by a convincing cast, set in a picturesque if typically British holiday camp location.

Captures all the gentle angst of family holidays with different generations convinced they know what everyone else needs to do to enjoy themselves.

Add in romance and what's not to like.

Definitely recommend it 👌