Sweetheart

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.