Sweetie (1989)

Immersed in a world of superstition and introspection, Kay finds love in Louis, a man she convinces is her destiny based on a tea leaf reading. Their relationship, symbolized by a sickly elder tree planted for their anniversary, is soon tested as it weathers the storm of family dysfunction. The story further unravels when Kay's sister, Dawn, affectionately known as Sweetie, enters their lives. Formerly institutionalized and seriously mentally ill, Sweetie is an imperious, self-centered character who is blind to her condition, instead focusing her energy on breaking into show business with her boyfriend, Bob. The dynamics of their family are further complicated by the obliviousness of their father, Gordon, who still sees Sweetie as his darling little girl and dismisses Kay's desperate pleas to intervene. Amidst it all, Gordon grapples with his own chaos, as his wife, Flo, leaves him on a trial separation due to his unwavering protection of Sweetie. The film subtly exposes how Sweetie's mental illness and the family's denial has stifled Kay's personal growth, leaving her exasperated and trapped in the whirlwind that is her sister's life. Sweetie's arrival not only strains Kay's relationship with Louis but also forces her to confront her family's dysfunctions. As Sweetie's illness and her parents' denial cast a long shadow over her life, Kay must grapple with her own destiny. The film intricately explores the complex bonds between sisters, the blind spots of parenthood, and the deep-seated family dysfunctions that can choke personal growth. Can Kay find her release, or will she remain ensnared in the roots of Sweetie's illness? This poignant narrative paints a picture of a family struggling to navigate through the turbulent waters of denial, love, and mental illness.

Sweetie is a comedy movie featuring Geneviève Lemon.

Sweetie is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Sweetie on Amazon Video and Apple TV.