Sweetie (1989 film)

Sweetie is a 1989 Australian independent film directed by Jane Campion. The film stars Geneviève Lemon as Dawn (nicknamed Sweetie), a woman struggling with mental illness, and Karen Colston as her sister Kay, who is trying to cope with Sweetie's erratic and often destructive behavior.

The narrative focuses on the strained relationship between the two sisters and their parents, and explores themes of mental illness, family dysfunction, codependency, and the burden of caretaking. Sweetie's unpredictable actions and Kay's increasingly desperate attempts to control the situation create a tense and unsettling atmosphere.

The film is known for its unconventional narrative structure, stylized visuals, and unflinching portrayal of mental illness. Sweetie received both critical acclaim and controversy upon its release, praised for its originality and performances, but also criticized for its bleakness and challenging subject matter. It is considered one of Jane Campion's early and most significant works, establishing her reputation for exploring complex female characters and difficult themes. The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.