Sweethearts (2024 film)
| Sweethearts | |
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 Release poster | |
| Directed by | Jordan Weiss |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Andrew Wehde |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Jonathan Sadoff |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Max |
Release date |
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Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Sweethearts is a 2024 American romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Jordan Weiss in her feature directorial debut. Produced by New Line Cinema and Picturestart, it stars Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, Caleb Hearon, Tramell Tillman, Charlie Hall, and Ava DeMary. The film was released on Max on November 28, 2024.
Plot
[edit]Ben and Jamie are college freshmen and best friends since the 8th grade. They are both in long distance relationships with their high school sweethearts. Ben's girlfriend Claire is controlling, and Jamie pushes him to set boundaries. Jamie is bored of her boyfriend, Simon, and struggles to develop friendships due to childhood bullying. Ben pushes Jamie let her guard down and make friends. Unbeknownst to Jamie, Ben is planning to study abroad in Copenhagen next semester. He is afraid to tell her because he doesn't want her to feel abandoned.
At their first college party, Ben rebuffs the sexual advances of a drunken woman while Jamie sneaks into a bedroom to sext with Simon. Jamie is forced to leave her clothes in the room when two partygoers enter to have sex. Ben attempts to sneak into the room to get Jamie's clothes but is caught. They are ejected from the party. Their friend Palmer reveals he is returning to their hometown in Ohio and will be hosting a coming out party the night before Thanksgiving. Ben and Jamie decide they are going to end their relationships that night.
When Ben's roommate takes his car without permission, the duo's trip is delayed and they are forced to take the bus. Later at Palmer's, Claire and Simon drink an entire bottle of absinthe and drunkenly leave. With help from Reese, a local school football coach, Claire and Simon are safely returned. Palmer, realizing Reese is also gay, confides in him. Reese brings Palmer to a bowling alley and introduces his bowling team consisting of all gay men. Palmer finds newfound comfort and confidence.
Meanwhile, Ben and Jamie search for Claire and Simon at a bar. They are forced to sneak in, and Jamie is confronted by her childhood bully who asks for forgiveness which Jamie begrudgingly accepts. The bouncer catches them and they are thrown out. Frustrated, Ben and Jamie argue about their circumstances and become upset with one another. They learn Claire and Simon are at another party and head there. At the party, Palmer accidentally reveals to Jamie about Ben's study abroad plans. Jamie realizes that she is the only one who didn't know. Angry, she leaves to find Simon.
Claire attempts to seduce Ben in an outdoor tree fort, unbeknownst to Jamie, who is breaking up with Simon below. Ben and Claire overhear the conversation, and Claire becomes angry after learning Ben and Jamie planned the breakups together. Claire and Simon leave, believing Ben and Jamie are co-dependent and carrying out a secret romance. Ben and Jamie discuss their relationship, sharing a passionate kiss. The party ends, and the friends all return home.
On Thanksgiving, Ben watches When Harry Met Sally..., appearing to have an epiphany about Jamie. He confronts Jamie, revealing he regrets the kiss and does not hold romantic feelings toward her, instead he wants to remain friends. Jamie expresses relief, she reciprocates and wishes him well on his upcoming trip. Jamie meets with Simon and properly breaks up with him before returning to school. Ben does the same with Claire before leaving for Europe. Palmer begins a relationship with a local man named Lukas.
Six months later, Ben returns and surprises Jamie at her sorority's party. While dancing, they share loving glances.
Cast
[edit]- Kiernan Shipka as Jamie
- Nico Hiraga as Ben
- Caleb Hearon as Palmer
- Tramell Tillman as Coach Reese
- Charlie Hall as Simon
- Ava DeMary as Claire
- Sophie Zucker as Megan Mendelson
- Kevin Yamada as Norman
- Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Lukas
- Zach Zucker as Tyler
- Olivia Nikkanen as Kelly
- Joel Kim Booster as Ethan
- Christine Taylor as Diane
- Jake Bongiovi as Kellan
- Chloe Troast as Hannah
Production
[edit]Weiss co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Brier. Erik Feig and Jessica Switch serve as producers, with Picturestart producing for New Line Cinema.[1]
Casting
[edit]The cast was revealed to include Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga in July 2022.[2] In August 2022, Charlie Hall was added to the cast.[3]
Filming
[edit]Principal photography on the project was reportedly completed August 2022.[4] Filming locations reportedly included Jersey City and Cranford and at Ramapo College in Mahwah, all located in the U.S. state of New Jersey.[5][6][7]
Release
[edit]Sweethearts was streamed on Max on November 28, 2024.[8]
Critical response
[edit]On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 62% of 21 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.2/10.[9] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 59 out of 100, based on nine critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Humphrey, Julia (July 15, 2022). "Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga to Star in 'Sweethearts' Rom-Com". Collider. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (July 14, 2022). "Kiernan Shipka And Nico Hiraga To Star In New Line and Picturestart's 'Sweethearts', 'Dollface' Creator Jordan Weiss Directing". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (August 15, 2022). "Charlie Hall Books Trio Of TV & Film Roles Including 'Sex Lives of College Girls' Spot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
- ^ Jordan, Chris (February 20, 2023). "Jake Bongiovi, son of Jon Bon Jovi, joining cast for movie about fictional hair metal band". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ^ Kuperinsky, Amy (February 21, 2023). "He's halfway there. Jake Bongiovi, Bon Jovi's son, starring in '80s hair metal movie". NJ.com. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ^ Williamson, Logan (February 24, 2023). "'Mad Men' Actress To Star In Rom-Com Filmed On Mahwah Campus". Patch.com. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ Samuels, Remy (August 3, 2023). "French Pastry Shop In Cranford Will Be Featured In Upcoming Film". Patch.com. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (August 27, 2024). "Max Unveils Premiere Date, First-Look Photos For Romantic Comedy 'Sweethearts' Starring Kiernan Shipka & Nico Hiraga". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
- ^ "Sweethearts". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
- ^ "Sweethearts". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Sweethearts at IMDb
