Highlights
Blumhouse is renowned for its production of enthralling horror films such as Totally Killer, a slasher comedy set in the 80s, Insidious: The Red Door, and There's Something Wrong With The Children.
Sweetheart is a captivating horror film by Blumhouse that often goes unnoticed. With its intriguing storyline, unexpected turns, and thrilling surprises, it manages to keep fans completely engrossed. The movie revolves around Jennifer, who finds herself in a relentless battle against a humanoid sea monster while also tackling issues in her personal relationships.
Although Sweetheart has received a commendable 93% rating on the Tomatometer, the Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a mere 50%. Nevertheless, critics cannot help but applaud Kiersey Clemons' stellar performance, and the ending, both satisfying and haunting, leaves a lasting impact. Jennifer's journey of survival and transformation ensures an unforgettable and exciting horror experience.
Blumhouse is renowned for its ability to create captivating horror films, and 2023 has brought us a collection of exciting and distinctive movies. Among the standout releases from the past year are the '80s slasher comedy Totally Killer, the fifth installment in the Insidious franchise titled Insidious: The Red Door, and the chilling There's Something Wrong With The Children. Fans of the horror genre can always rely on Blumhouse to deliver terrifying and compelling narratives time after time.
Blumhouse has gained a reputation for producing both one-of-a-kind films and highly popular franchises. One example of their unique offerings is the 2019 creature feature Sweetheart, which unfortunately did not receive the recognition and acclaim it deserves. Fans of horror should definitely make a point to watch Blumhouse's Sweetheart, as it boasts an intriguing plot filled with enough surprises, twists, and turns to captivate even the most seasoned genre enthusiasts.
What Is Sweetheart About?
The Blumhouse horror film, Sweetheart, follows Jennifer Remming (played by Kiersey Clemons), an adventurer exploring the depths of the ocean. Unfortunately, she loses her companion, Brad (portrayed by Benedict Samuel), right off the bat. This initial shocking event sets the stage for Jennifer to become a resilient and resourceful "final girl" who must make tough decisions in order to survive.
As Jennifer encounters a malevolent humanoid sea monster that seeks her demise, the two engage in a fierce battle that spans the course of the entire film. Alongside the horror elements, Sweetheart delves into Jennifer's relationships with Mia Reed (played by Hanna Mangan-Lawrence), her friend, and Lucas Griffin (portrayed by Emory Cohen), her boyfriend. From the beginning, their dynamic is fraught with issues. As audiences discover the unfortunate demise of another friend named Zack, it becomes apparent that Mia and Lucas had sinister intentions regarding his fate. This revelation paints them as potential threats to Jennifer's safety. Adding to the tension, Mia accuses Jennifer of being deceitful and untrustworthy, further fueling the conflict in an already tense and frightening situation.
What Is Sweetheart's Rotten Tomatoes Score?
Though Blumhouse is renowned for its well-received legacy sequels like David Gordon Green's Halloween trilogy and The Exorcist: Believer, the production company also excels at producing original horror films. While Sweetheart may not enjoy the same level of recognition as films like Get Out or Sinister, it deserves greater attention for its compelling narrative centered around being stranded on an island and battling a terrifying creature. While the monster is not prominently featured, it falls short of being considered one of the top Blumhouse horror villains. Regardless, Blumhouse's Sweetheart triumphs in creating a spine-chilling atmosphere where anything is possible.Sweetheart, a Blumhouse horror movie, has received rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes with a staggering 93% on the Tomatometer, determined from 41 reviews. Surprisingly, the Audience Score for this film is much lower, sitting at just 50%. It is thought-provoking how critics and audiences sometimes hold differing opinions on the overall quality of a movie.
Based on critics' opinions of Blumhouse's Sweetheart, two camps emerge: those who believe it offers a refreshing take on the desert island/monster horror subgenre, and those who argue that it lacks originality. Overall, both critics and fans have commended Kiersey Clemons' performance, as she skillfully portrays Jenn as a character who embodies strength and vulnerability.
How Does Sweetheart End?
In the final moments of Blumhouse's Sweetheart, Jenn manages to wound the monster using a pen previously wielded by Zack, emerging victorious, at least temporarily. Compelled by her harrowing experience, Jenn meticulously chronicles her ordeal in a diary, driven by a desire to guide and protect others. This pivotal scene effectively taps into our deepest fears, evoking chilling images of unsuspecting individuals crossing paths with the terrifying creature. Similar to other highly acclaimed Blumhouse horror films, Sweetheart showcases resilient protagonists and poignant moments, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
In an attempt to kill the humanoid sea monster, Jenn employs a clever tactic to lure it closer using bones and tree branches. The climactic scene in Sweetheart showcases Jenn triumphantly displaying the head of the slain monster, despite her own injuries. This moment is both impactful and haunting, as she reflects on her near brushes with death.
Similar to horror films set in desert settings, Sweetheart, produced by Blumhouse, effectively creates an atmosphere of tension and danger from the very beginning. While viewers may still have lingering questions about Jenn and Mia's remarks regarding her, it can be said that this horror movie delivers a satisfying ending. Jenn's mission to save herself and eliminate the monster is successfully accomplished. Moreover, the conclusion of Sweetheart is emotionally stirring and thought-provoking, as it is evident that this harrowing experience has profoundly changed Jenn. The memory of her survival against a humanoid sea monster will surely be unforgettable.