‘Sweetness’ Review: Exploring the Fine Line Between Idolization and Obsession in Fandom

Anyone who has experienced the passionate fervor of teenage fandom understands the intensity of those feelings. Often, adolescents navigate these emotions through innocent activities like decorating their walls with posters or daydreaming during classes. A select few, including me, turned to writing fanfiction as an outlet. However, in the realm of the teen thriller Sweetness, the response to fandom takes a more sinister turn.

Making its debut at the recent South By Southwest festival, Sweetness is both scripted and directed by Emma Higgins. The film focuses on Rylee Hill (played by Kate Hallett), a sixteen-year-old grappling with her mother’s death while struggling with typical teenage challenges. Rylee finds solace in her obsession with the alternative band Floorplan, echoing the influences of pop-punk legends like Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance on Higgins’ writing.

Rylee’s relationship with her father (Justin Chatwin) is strained; he is emotionally and physically absent in her life, and she disapproves of his new girlfriend (Amanda Brugel).Besides her obsession with Floorplan’s enigmatic lead singer Payton Adler (Herman Tømmeraas), Rylee’s only companion is her friend Sidney (Aya Furukawa).The plot thickens after Rylee has a fantasy-come-true moment when she meets Payton—initially under chaotic circumstances when he accidentally hits her with his car.

However, the story quickly takes a dramatic turn. Following the accident, Payton offers Rylee a ride home, and it’s during this ride that he has an unsettling episode while under the influence of drugs. Rylee uncovers his past struggles with substance abuse, which prompts her to make a harrowing decision: to confine Payton to her bedroom until he detoxes. This choice marks the onset of an obsessive infatuation rather than a healthy crush.

From here, the narrative dives deeper into an unsettling psychological space. Rylee becomes increasingly unhinged while trying to “save”Payton, believing her actions to be beneficial rather than damaging. Despite Sidney’s attempts to bring her back to reality, Rylee remains resolute in her belief that she is helping her idol, which distorts her perception of love and care.

Fans or Fanatics? The Obsessive Nature of Teen Fandom

As the film progresses, Rylee’s transition from being an enthusiastic teen fan to an obsessive captor unveils a dark commentary on idolization. A comparison may be drawn to Annie Wilkes from Stephen King’s Misery, as Rylee’s fixation escalates dangerously.

The film resonates particularly with those who have felt like outsiders during their teenage years. Rylee’s grief over her mother’s loss, compounded by her father’s emotional distance, creates a poignant backdrop that encourages viewers to empathize with her character. The film’s exploration of teenage crushes captures essential aspects of growing up, portraying how unprocessed grief can manifest in unhealthy ways.

Sweetness takes audiences on a tumultuous journey, showcasing the darker facets of adolescent love and obsession. Rylee grapples with her inability to channel her feelings for Payton into a healthy relationship, illustrating how societal norms can warp one’s understanding of love and connection.

While the film encounters pacing issues and moments that prevent deeper character exploration, it ultimately leaves viewers contemplating the complexities of obsession versus affection. As Higgins moves into feature filmmaking, Sweetness serves as a compelling introduction to her storytelling abilities, sparking curiosity for her future projects.

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