'Sweetpea' Review: Starz Newest Surprise
Upon our initial encounter with Rhiannon Lewis, also known as “Sweetpea” (Ella Purnell), she meticulously details a roster of individuals she desires to eliminate. This extensive list includes the supermarket employee who disregards her and the boss who views her merely as an assistant. Despite her delicate appearance and shy demeanor, Rhiannon fades into the background of her own life and that of others. She remains unnoticed, moving through her workdays without much interaction. This sense of isolation prompts her to create a list of targets, propelling her towards a destructive path.
Following a family tragedy, Rhiannon's once steady resolve begins to falter. With only a despondent sister for support, she comes to the realization of her profound loneliness. The situation escalates when her childhood tormentor, Julia (played by Nicôle Lecky), whose cruelty led Rhiannon to develop trichotillomania, shows up at the funeral. This encounter prompts Rhiannon to vow never to be a victim again. However, life takes an unexpected turn. As her personal life unravels, she reaches a breaking point, unable to contain her emotions any longer. Enduring a tumultuous week, she loses control and transforms into a version of herself that even she struggles to recognize.
Subsequently, Rhiannon grapples with unsettling desires that conflict with her morals. Unable to assert herself verbally, she resorts to seizing control by stripping others of their agency. Embracing a newfound confidence through relinquishing human qualities, she replaces her reserve with uncontrollable violence. As the cycle of violence and deceit becomes routine, Rhiannon doesn't harbor guilt for her actions but rather fears the consequences of being discovered.
The gradual reveal of Rhiannon’s character and her struggles with isolation seems to resonate deeply, especially through Ella Purnell’s standout performance.
Purnell’s portrayal of Rhiannon as a nuanced character grappling with her identity in a world filled with superficial relationships is compelling. The cyclical nature of her journey, marked by her actions and the release of a buried self, adds depth to her character arc. It’s exciting that the series allows her to explore such rich material, showcasing her growth as an actress.
The dynamic between Rhiannon and her childhood bully Julia introduces an intriguing layer to the story. Their evolving relationship, filled with tension and complexity, provides fertile ground for character development. As they confront their shared past and recognize their similarities, it promises to explore themes of empathy, redemption, and the impact of childhood trauma.
The fact that their interactions lead to an intensifying connection suggests that “Sweetpea” is not just a thriller but also a thoughtful examination of female relationships. This duality can be a powerful way to highlight how women navigate their personal struggles while interacting with each other in a world that often feels isolating.
“Sweetpea” initially tells the tale of a woman who, in her yearning to be acknowledged and understood, taps into a profound savagery to establish some form of control. Despite the potential for a typical thriller narrative, Jones skillfully subverts and twists these conventions as a writer, delving deep into the mind of a woman crumbling under the pressures of contemporary society. With a global population of 8 million, Rhiannon simply desires to attract someone's attention, and she is willing to resort to criminal acts to achieve this. “Sweetpea” remains innovative throughout, presenting a compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged until the startling cliffhanger of the final episode.
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