Sweethearts (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The transition from high school to college often brings a whirlwind of emotions, especially for those trying to maintain long-distance relationships. Sweethearts (2024), directed by Jordan Weiss, dives headfirst into this complex, often hilarious, and painfully relatable experience. This Max original film intertwines comedy, romance, and emotional growth as it follows two college freshmen navigating friendship and romantic entanglements during Thanksgiving break.
Plot Summary
Ben (Nico Hiraga) and Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) have been best friends since middle school, a bond strengthened by attending the same college. However, their high school relationships with Claire (Ava DeMary) and Simon (Charlie Hall) are fraying under the weight of distance and mismatched priorities. Ben’s overly demanding girlfriend Claire calls him relentlessly, while Jamie struggles with her boyfriend Simon’s packed football schedule.
Determined to “Turkey Dump” their partners over the chaotic Thanksgiving break, Ben and Jamie team up, but their plan quickly goes awry. The night unfolds into a series of misadventures, miscommunications, and moments of self-discovery, leading them to question their past decisions and their feelings for each other.
A Closer Look: The Film’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Jordan Weiss’s feature debut captures the bittersweet humor of young adulthood, but not without some bumps. Here’s a deeper dive into its highs and lows:
Strengths
- Relatable Premise: The concept of breaking up over Thanksgiving—the “Turkey Dump”—is a clever framing device that resonates with many. It serves as a perfect backdrop for exploring themes of growth and letting go.
- Performances: Nico Hiraga shines as the laid-back Ben, balancing charm and vulnerability. Kiernan Shipka portrays Jamie with fiery determination, though at times her character feels underdeveloped.
- Supporting Cast: Caleb Hearon as Palmer, the duo’s queer best friend, steals scenes with humor and heart. His subplot exploring small-town queer identity adds depth to the film.
- Cinematography and Music: Andrew Wehde’s warm visuals complement the autumnal setting, while the eclectic soundtrack—from Carly Rae Jepsen to Sam Cooke—sets the mood perfectly.
Weaknesses
- Pacing Issues: The first half of the film feels slow, with too much time spent on pre-break party antics. This detracts from the richer storytelling potential of the hometown reunion.
- Underwritten Relationships: The high school sweethearts, Claire and Simon, are portrayed as caricatures, making their relationships with Ben and Jamie feel shallow.
- Tonality: The film juggles comedy, romance, and coming-of-age themes but sometimes struggles to find a cohesive tone.
Key Themes and Messages
- Friendship vs. Romance: At its core, Sweethearts asks whether men and women can remain platonic friends, an age-old rom-com debate.
- Letting Go of the Past: The film explores the emotional weight of moving on from first loves and embracing change.
- Self-Discovery: Each character undergoes a journey of growth, particularly Palmer, whose storyline brings a refreshing perspective to the narrative.
Where to Watch Online
Sweethearts is available exclusively on Max in the United States.
- Streaming: Max Original subscribers can stream the film directly on the platform.
- Rental and Purchase Options: While currently unavailable on other streaming platforms, it’s anticipated to become available for rental or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies in the coming months.
Is It Worth Watching?
For fans of romantic comedies with a modern twist, Sweethearts offers an amusing, if imperfect, ride. Its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and a few unexpected surprises makes it a worthwhile watch during the holiday season. While not a groundbreaking entry in the rom-com genre, it provides enough charm and relatable content to leave viewers satisfied.
Conclusion
Sweethearts (2024) serves up a mix of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, capturing the awkwardness and growth of young adulthood. Whether you’re tuning in for the relatable premise, the quirky characters, or the Thanksgiving vibes, this Max original delivers a lighthearted take on love and friendship.
Ready to dive into the chaos and charm of Sweethearts? Stream it now on Max and let us know—are you Team Ben, Team Jamie, or simply a fan of good-hearted rom-coms? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
