Sweet Thing

Albeit the almost wooden performance by the three children, they kind of work, since they are portraying pre-teen kids - a blank slate reactive to the heartbreaking, often harsh conditions of urban America. The frivolous yet calming Van Morrison song acts as the precursor of the film, innocence in childish mirth.

I was going to give this film a lower rate, only it did pick up after about an hour. It's quite depressing for the first hour. Filmed in black and white, a warts all depiction of youngish kids living in a dysfunctional, neglectful domestic setting. I'd wrongly assumed the kids would somehow run away earlier in the film than they do (apologies for a potential spoiler there). It became somewhat poignant and even hopeful towards the end. It has the feel of 'The Florida Project' I suppose. A sobering watch, with some nice pieces of music used at key moments, this is ok, possibly worth a watch, yeah.

A super-independent film made from the heart. This is really what can be done on a shoe string budget. Shot in black and white, the story follows a group of kids as they make their way in a poor part of town. Their home life is consists of a drunk father and abusive step-father. Their adventures take them on some tragic and dangerous sojourns. The film doesn't aim to be more than it is, and that is refreshing. The young performances are good and endearing. Will Patton as the alcoholic father is heartbreaking. There isn't new territory here but its heart is in the right place.

Wait until you see Karyn Parsons' performance.,. She was unrecognizable as a negligent mother! Beautiful film! And it is streaming online at https://watch.laemmle.com/videos/sweetthing21491/60a6bfcad61b2c000131c097/