Sweetheart

Synopsis

Sweetheart is a 2019 survival thriller directed by J.D. Dillard, starring Kiersey Clemons as Jenn, a fiercely independent young woman who finds herself stranded on a remote island after a shipwreck. Against the backdrop of the lush, untamed island, Jenn battles not only the elements but also a mysterious and terrifying creature that lurks in the shadows. The film intricately blends elements of classic survival stories with a fresh, empowered perspective, highlighting themes of resilience, self-reliance, and courage. With limited resources and no one to rely on but herself, Jenn must confront both physical and psychological challenges in order to survive and find a way back to safety.

Cast

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  Kiersey Clemons

  Jenn

• 

  Emory Cohen

  Lucas

• 

  Hanna Mangan Lawrence

  Mia

• 

  Benedict Samuel

  Brad

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  Andrew Crawford

  Creature

Reviews

Sweetheart has been generally well-received by critics, with many praising Kiersey Clemons's compelling performance and the film's suspenseful atmosphere. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds an impressive 95% approval rating, indicating strong critical support for its tension-building and fresh take on the survival genre. The site's consensus highlights Clemons's portrayal of Jenn as a standout element that elevates the film. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 71 out of 100, reflecting generally favorable reviews, where critics noted the effective combination of horror and thriller elements with a thought-provoking narrative. IMDb users give Sweetheart a score of 5.8/10, showing a more mixed public reception, often appreciating the mood and setting but some finding the plot less engaging. Reviews from major outlets such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter commend the film's minimalistic yet intense storytelling, as well as J.D. Dillard's direction, which maintains suspense without relying heavily on special effects. However, a few critics mention that the pacing can be slow at times and that the film's mystery may leave some viewers wanting more clarity. Overall, Sweetheart is recognized for its strong lead performance and fresh approach to the survival thriller genre, making it an intriguing watch for fans of atmospheric horror.