Sweetpea
In the same week as Terrifier 3’s Art delivered vicious slasher goodness on the big screen, Sky’s Sweetpea gives viewers an equally delightful killer for the small screen. Adapted from the novels of the same name by CJ Skuse, the show centres around Rhiannon (Fallout’s Ella Purnell), a timid receptionist who’s been bullied and overlooked all her life. When things finally become too much for her to bear, she’s pushed over the edge to become a vigilante of sorts who seeks violent retribution on those she sees as bullies. With the police investigation getting dangerously close to discovering the truth, Sweetpea quickly becomes a hugely entertaining watch with a fierce feminist edge.
Despite her psychopathic outbursts, Rhiannon remains a completely sympathetic character. Her backstory is a relatable one, and the first episode does a superb job of getting audiences on her side. Used as a human coatrack by her boss, mistaken as a server by a family member at a wake, and looked down upon by everyone at her job, it’s a wonder that she didn’t snap sooner. Purnell is magnificent in the role. She brings a natural likeability to the character that’s laced with a touch of dark humour for good measure. Although her murderous exploits aren’t as spectacularly gruesome as Art’s Christmas killings, there’s nevertheless a satisfying bite to the violence here, complete with gushing arteries and weighty blows.
Cutting deeper than Rhiannon’s knife, though, is the show’s social commentary. Especially at her job where she’s only trusted with making the tea, casual sexism is a defining part of her everyday life. The anti-hero’s murderous actions are her way of pushing back against the treatment that’s held her back all her life. And while the subtext is as unsubtle as seeing her belt out the lyrics to Katie Perry’s Roar at karaoke, there’s nevertheless catharsis to be found in her methods of delivering justice.
Helmed by a wonderful performance from Purnell, Sweetpea’s vicious spin on the coming-of-age formula makes for very enjoyable television.
Andrew Murray
Sweetpea is released on Sky on 10th October 2024.
Watch the trailer for Sweetpea here:
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