Jane Campion’s Sweetie is an Australian family drama, or rather a highly dysfunctional family melodrama/black comedy/dramedy. Everything is just a little off kilter, from the characters, camera angles, and editing. The story explores the underlying fears of the pale and seemingly fragile Kay, Sweetie’s older sister. Integrating Australian cinema’s focus on the influences of nature and the supernatural, Kay is overwhelmed by images of trees and their potentially destructive roots, which plays into her superstition. A tea leaf reading leads Kay to her boyfriend, Louis. Cut to thirteen months later, Kay and Louis are settling into their new relationship and home. Louis attempts to plant an anniversary tree for them, which triggers Kay’s fear of trees and sends their relationship plummeting. An unexpected visit from her loud and robust sister Sweetie paves the road for the zany journey ahead. Sweetie is certifiably neurotic but her infectious energy charms the men around her.
Campion infuses this film with imagery and symbolism unique to Australia while also touching on universal issues of complex and quirky family dynamics.
Jane Campion
Australia
97 min.
Rated R
1989 |
