Sweetheart

Sweetheart is an alluring horror-thriller fusion film that was directed by J.D. Dillard and hit the screens in 2019. The film features talented actors, including the phenomenal Kiersey Clemons, the strong skillful Emory Cohen, and the captivating Hanna Mangan Lawrence. This is not your typical beach vacation film as it thrusts its main character and the audience into a discord of survival and fear that proves that the worst kind of danger isn’t always from the depths of the ocean.

The film opens with a sunny beach setting, only this time, it’s not a surfing paradise or a relaxed vacation spot. Jenn, played by Kiersey Clemons, finds herself washed up on the shore after a shipwreck. Stranded alone on an uninhabited tropical island, she must survive not only the natural elements but also something far more sinister, something that emerges from the sea each night. How she manages to survive in this unexpected situation is a primary focus of the film.

Clemons effortlessly offers a deep, dedicated portrayal of Jenn, carrying the narrative with her physical and emotional tenacity. Jenn, an underdog at first, soon reveals her resourcefulness and endurance. The film leans on the minimalistic end of the horror spectrum, with an opening act that leans more towards a survival movie than outright horror. However, it doesn't take long for things to take a drastic turn, adding to the considerable tension in the backdrop as the viewers anticipate what horrors await Jenn.

Emory Cohen and Hanna Mangan Lawrence also offer rich performances, complementing the atmosphere of escalating tension and providing contrast to Jenn’s reality with their roles that throw light on the dynamics and complications of human relationships. These interactions and flashbacks add layers to the characters, making the narrative more intriguing.

Sweetheart allows suspense, fear, and anticipation to build gradually throughout the movie, without using quick scares or excessive gore, which are all too common in the horror genre. Instead, the film relies on seclusion, silence, and the unknown entity in the water to create a chilling atmosphere.

One cannot overlook the beautiful yet ominous setting of Sweetheart, which plays a pivotal role in the overall ambiance of the film. The cinematography takes full advantage of its Fijian shooting location, ethical sunlight, glistening seas, and pristine sandy beaches contrasts against the impending danger lurking in the sea. Coupled with a haunting score that subtly builds the tension, the island vacillates between being a sanctuary and a prison, embodying the serenity and terror in every scene.

Director Dillard seamlessly blends several different genres into one coherent narrative with Sweetheart, creating an incredibly unique cinematic experience. His direction crafts an excellent horror/thriller that uses each of its elements, the setting, the performances, and the danger, to its fullest potential. Dillard does not let the slow pace hinder the film's progression, instilling a sense of urgency and dread into it. He also successfully translates visceral terror and anxiety onto the screen, making the audience feel the suspense and fear.

Another praiseworthy aspect of Sweetheart is its underlying social commentary. The film subtly weaves into the narrative threads that critique the racism and sexism people of color often face, and questions the prevalent idea of 'believability'. The audience gets to experience, sometimes frustratingly, how Jenn’s warnings are often dismissed, making them question the dire consequences of not listening to black women's experiences.

Sweetheart is a masterful blend of thrilling survival and heart-pounding horror. It expertly uses its lone setting and a limited cast to create an atmospheric dread that will remain with you long after the credits roll. The film puts forth the narrative that not all monsters lurk beneath the surface, some walk among us, and the most dangerous ones are often the ones we fail to recognize.

In a nutshell, Sweetheart goes above and beyond the expectations of a typical thriller-survival film, making way for an impeding crescendo of terror that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film. For those who enjoy horror films that manage to contrast vulnerability with tenacity, Sweetheart is certainly not one to be missed.