“Sweethearts” follows Jamie and Ben, two best friends who navigate the turbulent seas of freshman year at Densen College. They are dedicated to maintaining long-distance relationships with high school sweethearts Simon and Claire. Still, they soon find that these connections are more limiting than beneficial. Jamie finds herself faking interest on phone calls. At the same time, Ben struggles to participate in campus life while being constantly digitally monitored by his girlfriend.
After a wild night out with their roommates, the two plan to break up with their significant others on Thanksgiving Eve. This is more than just breaking relationships; it’s about reclaiming their college experience and personal independence. The strategy appears easy but proves to be anything but pushing them into a series of comedic and emotionally difficult situations.
Palmer, Jamie, and Ben’s high school companions, who took a gap year in France, weave his way into their journey. Palmer, who works at a bakery near Disneyland Paris, goes home with ambitious plans to organize a coming-out party and prove his superiority over former classmates. His subplot, which examines themes of self-discovery and acceptance, deepens the narrative.
Palmer’s storyline overlaps the main plot via shared history and mutual support. While Jamie and Ben work on their love relationships, Palmer deals with his own identity and the expectations of his hometown. His interactions with Coach Reese, a gay high school football coach, offer a nuanced look at coming out in a tiny, potentially conservative town.
The film expertly weaves various storylines together, demonstrating that personal evolution rarely follows a straight line. “Sweethearts” captures young adulthood’s messy, transforming nature through humor, vulnerability, and authentic performances—where breaking up is more than just the end of a romance, but the beginning of understanding oneself.
Stellar Performers: The Heart of “Sweethearts”
Kiernan Shipka stars as Jamie, a student struggling with the oppressive limitations of a long-distance relationship. She’s sharp, relatable, and has great comedic potential. Jamie’s journey is about breaking free—from expectations, comfortable but unsatisfying connections, and her reservations about trying new things. It’s not just about breaking up.
Nico Hiraga portrays Ben as Jamie’s ideally matched opponent. He’s the ideal helpful sidekick but also imprisoned in his own relational quicksand. Ben tries to assert himself as he is continuously inundated with texts from a girlfriend who refuses to give him space. His character arc is around discovering his voice and asserting his independence.
The intense chemistry between Shipka and Hiraga makes “Sweethearts” so special. They move as if they’ve known one another for a long time and have an unsaid understanding. Their on-screen friendship feels so authentic that it’s almost uncomfortable in its intimacy—the kind of relationship that makes awkward dance routines and embarrassing confessions feel entirely normal.
Caleb Hearon’s Palmer appears as a scene-stealing subplot ready to burst loose. Palmer, returning from a gap year in France with huge ambitions to come out and prove his superiority, embodies the classic young adult wanting to reinvent himself. His interactions with Coach Reese deepen his coming-out journey, revealing flaws underlying his theatrical bravado.
Charlie Hall as Simon and Ava DeMary as Claire play the characters’ relationship anchors. DeMary, in particular, jumps out, injecting new life into what could have been a one-dimensional high school love character. Hall embodies the endearing himbo spirit, offering comic relief despite his character’s little sophistication.
Christine Taylor deserves special praise for her brief appearance as Ben’s mother. In just a few moments, she offers funny interactions, giving the narrative much-needed comedic flair.
Shipka reveals that she is a comedic force, demonstrating perfect timing and the ability to easily navigate humor and heart. Hiraga excellently complements her, demonstrating that he is more than just a supporting actor; he can certainly carry a film.
The ensemble cast pushes “Sweethearts” above and beyond the standard collegiate comedy. What should have been a formulaic narrative is transformed into a nuanced examination of young adult relationships, personal growth, and the messy process of self-discovery. While hardly innovative, their performances make the film both enjoyable and heartbreaking.
Each actor adds a layer of authenticity that elevates “Sweethearts” from a basic breakup comedy to a relatable depiction of early adulthood, complete with all its awkwardness, confusion, and unexpected moments of clarity.
Crafting Comedy: The Mechanics of “Sweethearts”
Jordan Weiss makes his directorial debut with “Sweethearts,” a film that pulsates with raw intensity and a true knowledge of young adult dynamics. Her technique resembles a personal conversation rather than calculated filmmaking—messy, unpredictable, but ultimately heartfelt. Weiss successfully navigates the tricky balance between comedy and emotional vulnerability, allowing her characters to breathe and exist outside of usual rom-com tropes.
The film’s tone alternates between raucous comedy and serious emotional examination. Weiss has a good eye for capturing awkward, cringe-worthy moments that define early adulthood while maintaining warmth and authenticity. Her direction demonstrates a profound empathy for her characters’ travels, elevating what could have been a predictable collegiate comedy to something more nuanced and intriguing.
Weiss and Dan Brier create a screenplay that feels surprisingly natural. Their talk has the kind of spontaneous vitality that makes it feel lived-in rather than planned. The writing captures the distinct rhythms of young adult communication—part vulnerability, half protection mechanism, and completely relatable.
The screenplay’s strength is its ability to keep many plots in focus. Each narrative strand is carefully considered, from Jamie and Ben’s split to Palmer’s coming-out journey. The writers ignore standard rom-com stereotypes in favor of a more profound investigation of relationships, identity, and personal growth.
Kayle Emter’s editing keeps the narrative moving, reflecting the protagonists’ turbulent college experiences. The tempo reflects the unpredictable nature of young adult life, with bursts of great energy interspersed by unexpected emotional depth.
Visually, the film captures the essence of modern student life without resorting to tired cliches. The Thanksgiving setting, albeit neglected, serves as a nostalgic backdrop for personal growth. The visual design is purposefully intimate and rough, representing the raw authenticity of the characters’ experiences.
One noteworthy criticism is leveled at the film’s portrayal of its Ohio locale. The lack of authentic winter clothes creates a visible gap, indicating that the production is more concerned with aesthetic appeal than geographical truth.
Despite its flaws, “Sweethearts” is a promising debut that captures the messy, wonderful complexity of finding oneself throughout the difficult transition to maturity. Weiss has a distinct capacity to discover humor and heart in life’s most embarrassing moments, establishing herself as a director to watch in the coming years.
Unraveling Connections: Deeper Currents of “Sweethearts”
Jamie and Ben’s connection goes beyond the traditional buddy comedy stereotypes, showcasing a collaboration based on deep understanding and implicit support. Their relationship functions like a perfectly tuned ecosystem, with each supporting the other’s growth, pushing personal constraints, and providing a safe space for vulnerability. When the world feels too much, they become one other’s anchors, navigating the turbulent waters of freshman year with synchronized determination.
Their breakup agreement is more than just a comedic story device; it demonstrates their mutual dedication to personal growth. They understand when their present connections are stifling their progress and decide to push through hard talks and potential social embarrassment. This shared daring indicates a loyalty that extends beyond typical friendship; it promises mutual growth and extreme honesty.
Jamie’s journey is extremely captivating. She evolves from someone doing emotional labor in a long-distance relationship to a young lady reclaiming her agency. Her character arc eloquently depicts abandoning performative behaviors in favor of authentic self-expression.
Ben’s journey is more nuanced, illustrating the difficulties many young men encounter when setting limits and defining their worth. His battle to assert himself in the face of his girlfriend’s continual digital surveillance touches on bigger issues of consent, personal space, and human autonomy.
“Sweethearts” wonderfully captures the confused aspect of college transition. It understands that coming of age is a series of complex, often messy experiences rather than a single moment. The film excels at depicting the social terrain of early college when identities are flexible, connections are continually negotiated, and personal reinvention is both terrifying and exciting.
Palmer’s subplot lends an incredible complexity to this investigation. His coming-out journey is a strong metaphor for larger issues of self-acceptance and community building. The film shows that belonging isn’t about conforming but bravely displaying one’s authentic self by showing vulnerability and final triumph.
The film argues that personal growth necessitates taking risks—leaving comfortable but restricting situations, confronting painful facts, and believing in one’s ability to transform. “Sweethearts” offers a sympathetic roadmap for navigating the wonderful turbulence of early adulthood; it does more than just entertain.
Laughing Through Life’s Transitions: Comedy in “Sweethearts”
“Sweethearts” showcases a comedic arsenal that is both raw and sophisticated. The humor operates at numerous frequencies, from cringe-worthy phone sex jokes to delightfully awkward social interactions that make viewers laugh and groan simultaneously. Jamie’s phony orgasm phone calls and Ben’s text messaging suffocation become comedy gold, transforming potentially uncomfortable events into relatable fun.
The film’s comedy is profoundly founded in character authenticity, not just shock appeal. Jamie and Ben’s interactions provide situational humor, encapsulating the inside jokes and synchronized discomfort that define true companionship. Their comedic timing is so natural that it borders on documentary-like observation rather than staged performance.
Where “Sweethearts” really shines is its ability to switch fluidly between gut-busting laughter and genuine emotional vulnerability. Palmer’s coming-out storyline, for example, skillfully blends comedic moments with genuine insight. You’re laughing at his performative superiority one moment and deeply committed to his journey to self-acceptance the next.
The film recognizes that comedy and emotion are complementary rather than opposed. Raunchy humor about college hookup culture mingles with nuanced discussions of relationship dynamics, personal growth, and identity construction. This precise balance keeps the film from feeling like a superficial teen comedy while maintaining its lighthearted core.
Throughout the narrative, Jordan Weiss maintains a remarkable tone. The film never feels like it’s trying too hard; instead, it flows with the natural pace of young adult life. Whether presenting awkward party interactions or emotional personal admissions, the tone remains authentic and fresh without becoming patronizing.
The film’s bigger themes of friendship, personal growth, and finding one’s place in the world are all supported by its comedic tone. Humor is a conduit for deeper storytelling, allowing characters to unveil their most authentic selves via laughing, awkwardness, and shared vulnerability.
Ultimately, “Sweethearts” illustrates that comedy can be both a shield and a window, shielding us from life’s complexity while providing significant insights into human connection.
Landscapes of Transformation: Setting the Stage in “Sweethearts”
Densen College becomes as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. The campus vibrates with the frenetic energy of freshman year when social hierarchies emerge and collapse at breakneck speed. Sorority parties and dorm room talks become battlegrounds for identity as Jamie and Ben navigate the intricate ecosystem of college social life.
The institution is a transformational furnace in which high school relationships evolve or collapse. Ragers and social gatherings are more than just entertainment; they are essential testing grounds for personal transformation. Academic demands simmer beneath the surface, providing a steady undercurrent of stress and potential.
Thanksgiving serves as an excellent narrative pivot point. It is more than just a holiday; it represents a time of transition and conflict. The timing is deliberate—late enough in the semester for characters to have made considerable personal progress, yet early enough to mark a meaningful turning point.
The festive environment heightens the importance of Jamie and Ben’s breakup agreement. Family reunions, conventional expectations, and the emotional weight of going home produce ideal dramatic tension. Thanksgiving serves as both a deadline and a potential point of reconciliation, complicating their planned separation.
The film’s depiction of suburban Ohio treads a fine line between authenticity and stylization. While the setting provides a familiar backdrop for American life, there is a significant disparity in visual aspects. The lack of winter gear shows that the production is more concerned with aesthetic appeal than geographical reality.
Suburban Ohio is a bigger metaphor for the constrictive environments the characters aspire to escape. The location emphasizes issues of belonging, demonstrating how young adults navigate their identities in the face of familiar yet restricting settings.
“Sweethearts” employs its surroundings as an active participant in the characters’ journeys of self-discovery rather than just as a passive environment. The college, the vacation, and the suburban setting are effective tools for investigating personal transformation, social dynamics, and the complex process of determining one’s position in the world.
Narrative Rhythms: Unraveling “Sweethearts” Story Architecture
The narrative of “Sweethearts” is constructed like a high-wire act of comedic accuracy. The central premise—Jamie and Ben’s premeditated breakup plan—serves as a narrative springboard, propelling the plot through increasingly tumultuous territory. What begins as a measured approach quickly devolves into an evening of unexpected revelations and emotional rebalancing.
The film’s structural excellence comes from its ability to weave many tales without sacrificing narrative coherence. Palmer’s coming-out journey and the many relationship subplots do more than just orbit the main narrative; they enrich and complicate it. Each character’s development feels independent and closely related, resulting in a complex tapestry of young adult experiences.
Despite its qualities, the film occasionally fails to maintain narrative momentum. The middle half is prone to becoming weighed down by competing character arcs, with Palmer’s subplot periodically threatening to overshadow Jamie and Ben’s major journey. Some moments feel like narrative detours rather than key story beats, causing a lull in fast-paced growth.
Certain transitions between comedic and dramatic moments might be abrupt, testing the audience’s emotional involvement. The film occasionally struggles to keep a constant rhythm, with some scenes feeling rushed and others lingering too long.
The film’s finale is a nuanced surprise that defies conventional rom-com assumptions. Instead of a simple, expected conclusion, “Sweethearts” offers a more nuanced finale that recognizes the characters’ unique growth paths. Instead of total closure, the finale depicts young adult relationships and personal growth more realistically.
Unexpected character developments in the last ACT spectator expectations offer a welcome break from traditional storytelling. The resolution feels more like a continuation—a picture of ongoing personal journeys—than a destination.
Finally, “Sweethearts” succeeds by embracing narrative uncertainty. Its narrative style reflects early life’s messy, non-linear character, with false starts, surprising connections, and profound self-discovery.
Breaking Hearts and Expectations: “Sweethearts” Unfiltered
In the romantic comedy environment, “Sweethearts” is a delightfully raw gem—a film that defies genre assumptions. The raw, authentic chemistry between its characters transforms what could have been a formulaic narrative into a nuanced analysis of young adult relationships.
The performers lift the material above standard collegiate comedy fare. Jamie and Ben’s bond is so genuine that it borders on documentary observation. Their interactions are infused with the clumsy, messy energy of genuine human connection, full of misunderstandings, inside jokes, and poignant moments of vulnerability.
However, the film is not without flaws. Pacing concerns can occasionally impede narrative momentum, with some subplots feeling more like narrative detours than necessary story beats. While the Thanksgiving setting is novel, it feels underdeveloped at times, and certain comedic situations struggle to land with constant precision.
This is a film for fans of character-driven storytelling that defies typical romantic comedy tropes. It is most relevant to millennials and Generation Z viewers navigating the complexities of modern relationships—those who realize that love, friendship, and personal growth are messy, non-linear experiences.
For fans who love deciphering complex interpersonal relationships, the film offers excellent breathability. Each watching exposes hidden aspects overlooked in earlier viewings, elevating it above a forgettable festive comedy.
“Sweethearts” eventually succeeds as a love letter to the difficult process of discovering oneself. It’s imperfect, perhaps uneven, but always honest. The film does more than just entertain; it captures a certain period in young adulthood with extraordinary empathy and humor.
This film offers a delightful alternative for audiences looking for a Thanksgiving movie that deviates from standard family comedy cliches. It is best approached with an open mind and a readiness to accept narrative flaws.
Recommended for
- Fans of character-driven comedies.
- Viewers seeking nuanced portrayals of young adult experiences.
- Those seeking a unique perspective on holiday and romance narratives.
Jordan Weiss’ debut establishes her as a filmmaker unafraid to defy genre standards. “Sweethearts” isn’t perfect, but it’s a promising introduction to a new cinematic voice that appreciates the fascinating intricacy of human connection.
The Review
Sweethearts
"Sweethearts" is a surprisingly authentic exploration of young adult relationships, defying romantic comedy cliches with its raw, nuanced depiction of friendship, personal growth, and collegiate experiences. While the film has some pacing flaws and underdeveloped subplots, its genuine performances and emotional depth make it above normal genre expectations. Jordan Weiss has a good knowledge of millennial and Gen Z interpersonal dynamics, resulting in a humorous and incredibly vulnerable narrative. The film's strength is its authentic human interactions, especially between the characters, who navigate the messy environment of early adulthood with astonishing depth. Its Thanksgiving location and character-driven approach provide a fresh take on the coming-of-age story, distinguishing it in the current romantic comedy genre.
PROS
- Authentic performances with exceptional chemistry between leads
- Nuanced exploration of young adult relationships
- Innovative approach to romantic comedy genre
- Strong character development, especially for Jamie and Ben
- Genuine comedic moments that feel organic and unforced
CONS
- Inconsistent pacing, particularly in middle sections
- Some underdeveloped subplots
- Occasional tonal shifts that disrupt narrative flow
- Missed opportunities in exploring the Thanksgiving setting
- Uneven comedic execution
