Sweetheart
Socially awkward lesbian teenager AJ begrudgingly joins her family on a seaside vacation. She finds herself constantly at odds with her painfully "normal" mother and older sister, neither of whom can understand why she doesn't smile more or "dress like a girl." Her anticipated "week of hell" takes an unexpected turn when Isla, a free-spirited and sun-loving lifeguard, catches her eye. Full to the brim with teen angst and romantic fumbling, Sweetheart wryly captures the bittersweet pangs of adolescent yearning, self-realization and personal connections, all against the hilarious ups and downs of the quintessential British family holiday. Praised as an "authentic account of the murky, counterintuitive waters of the queer adolescent experience" (Little White Lies), Marley Morrison’s feature debut is a surprisingly ebullient coming-of-age charmer not to be missed.
"SWEETHEART showcases a common story of a family that wants to be supportive without knowing the right way to support, and a young woman trying to figure out how she wants to exist in the world. [The film] would work well in a film course or a gender studies course, at a high school or college level. Recommended." - EMRO
"Media librarians who cater to adolescent audiences will want to add Sweetheart to their shelves and include it in their programming for young adults and related LGBTQ+ groups...AJ, with a vulnerable and bold performance from Nell Barlow, rightfully claims her place in the teen movie protagonist pantheon, making a little more room for queer girls alongside the likes of Lady Bird and Cher Horowitz....Libraries could use Sweetheart in programming for teens and for gay student groups, such as a Gay-Straight Alliance. It would fit in on a bill with teen romances like LOVE, SIMON, or coming-of-age stories like PARIAH or BOOKSMART." - Video Librarian
Cast
- Nell Barlow
- Ella-Rae Smith
- Jo Hartley
- Sophia Di Martino
- Samuel Anderson
DVD Features
Cast and Crew Interviews
Bonus Short Film
Admit One
Directed by Emma Aikman
United States
English Language
8 minutes
It’s love at first sight at the movies when Piper falls for the girl working the concession stand, but before she can ask her out, she must survive a western shootout and an alien invasion in the theater lobby.
Discs: 1
- "[A] nuanced performance by Barlow... making an impressive feature debut... in this universal, warm-hearted story "
- "Quick-witted and understated, Sweetheart is a feel-good story that leaves everyone on a high."
- "The endearing British indie “Sweetheart” announces the emergence of a major talent both in front of and behind the camera. For her debut feature, writer/director Marley Morrison has crafted a splendid showcase for her leading lady, Nell Barlow, who is a revelation in her first major screen role."
- "Marley Morrison's feature debut Sweetheart is a sure-fire crowd pleaser that showcases a young filmmaker and cast with real promise."
- "The combination of Barlow's terrific central performance and a screenplay packed with wit and sensitivity makes this an incredibly charming coming-of-age comedy."
- "A warm-hearted and tender exploration of young sexuality and the bonds which draw families together (but also pull them apart)."
- "This is the best British film you'll see this year."
- "This is a breathtaking feature debut, and one of the most astute movies about adolescence in recent memory."
- "Sweetheart is a hugely charming and fresh take on the well-trodden narrative, featuring a fantastically witty lead performance from Nell Barlow."
- "Sweetheart has a lot of heart, and writer-director Morrison proves to be a vibrant new indie voice with a confident and established style that manages to make this familiar story feel fresh and new."
- "Sweetheart marks an authentic account of the murky, counterintuitive waters of the queer experience and eros in adolescence...."
- "One of the year’s best feature debuts."
- "The writer and director Marley Morrison... cannily observes details that feel specific to young people... to the film’s credit, the central relationship remains realistically drawn — a teenage courtship that’s marked by misunderstandings and mood swings. The characters aren’t always sweet, but they never feel phony."
- "It’s an absolute charmer, an engaging, relatable LGBTQ-themed film with eccentric and likable characters."
Gallery
Awards & Recognition
Audience Award
Glasgow Film Festival
Breakthrough Producer
British Independent Film Awards
Breakthrough Performance
British Independent Film Awards
Outstanding Performance
L.A. Outfest
International Juried Award
Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival
Best First Feature Film
Frameline LGBTQ Film Festival
Best Debut Screenwriter
British Independent Film Awards
Best Supporting Actress
British Independent Film Awards
Douglas Hickox Award
British Independent Film Awards
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