Sweetie

Kay, a cautious and conventional woman, longs for a stable life with her new partner Louis. Her plan is jolted by the abrupt return of her sister Dawn, known as Sweetie, a force of chaos who rejects rules and tidy routines. Sweetie's arrival shatters Kay's carefully crafted world and reveals a family history that has been buried beneath polite manners. As Sweetie roams through the house with reckless energy, old bonds loosen and resentments surface, testing Kay's resolve and Louis's patience. The film threads sharp humor through awkward confrontations and small, telling moments, showing how fragile normal life can be when the truth about a family starts to crack through the surface.

Directed by Jane Campion, with a screenplay by Campion and Gerard Lee, Sweetie premiered in 1989. It was produced by Jan Chapman, marking Campion's early rise within Australian cinema and drawing attention to her distinct voice.

Critics praised Campion's precise direction and the strong performances, especially Lemon as Sweetie and Colston as Kay. The drama probes the pressure to appear normal while exposing fault lines in family life, addressing sisterhood, sexual politics, and the ways repression corrodes intimacy. The tone blends dry humor with a sobering look at resilience.

Sweetie helped cement Campion's reputation for intimate, morally knotty dramas centered on women. Its stark performances and offbeat humor offered audiences a knack for watching quiet family moments bleed into chaos. The film's look at how self restraint can mask turmoil resonated with critics and fellow filmmakers, contributing to discussions of Australian cinema's international standing.

Box office data for Sweetie is limited; the film received a modest release in Australia and a handful of international markets, resulting in a modest commercial footprint. Its lasting value lies in Campion's uncompromising approach to family drama and the stubborn pulse of its characters.