The highly anticipated dark comedy drama Sweetpea has finally hit screens, bringing to life the unsettling world of CJ Skuse’s novel with a gripping television adaptation. Created by Kirstie Swain, Sweetpea has already garnered attention as it premiered on Sky Atlantic in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2024, and made its way to audiences in the United States and Canada through Starz. With Ella Purnell leading the cast, the show delves into the complexities of a seemingly quiet woman harboring a dark secret, blending dark humor, crime, and psychological insight.
The Premise: A Life Turned Upside Down
At the heart of Sweetpea is Rhiannon Lewis, portrayed by Ella Purnell, a woman leading an otherwise unremarkable life as an administrative assistant at The Carnsham Gazette, a small-town newspaper. Despite her outwardly quiet demeanor, Rhiannon is far from content. She struggles with the psychological scars left from years of childhood bullying, most notably at the hands of her former classmate Julia Blenkingsopp, now a local estate agent.
Rhiannon’s life takes a dramatic turn after the death of her beloved father, Tommy, the one person who seemed to understand her. Suddenly bereft of her emotional anchor, she finds herself facing a cascade of challenges. Her sister Seren decides to sell the family home, with none other than Julia handling the sale. Her dog is tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident, and Rhiannon is passed over for a promotion at work. The combination of grief, anger, and resentment eventually pushes her over the edge. A chance encounter with a stranger leads to Rhiannon’s first act of violence, setting her on a path that transforms her life in ways she could never have imagined.
A Cast That Brings Dark Humor to Life
The casting of Sweetpea has been a significant factor in its early success. Ella Purnell’s portrayal of Rhiannon strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and rage, allowing viewers to empathize with her character while also being horrified by her actions. The role of Julia Blenkingsopp, played by Nicôle Lecky, adds a further layer of tension to the story as the childhood bully whose reappearance sparks Rhiannon’s breakdown.
Jon Pointing plays Craig, an employee at Rhiannon’s father’s construction company, while Calam Lynch takes on the role of AJ, a junior reporter at The Carnsham Gazette. Leah Harvey portrays Marina, a junior detective, adding a crime-thriller element as Rhiannon’s increasingly reckless behavior comes under the radar of local law enforcement.
Jeremy Swift, known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Ted Lasso, brings comedic relief as Norman, the editor of The Carnsham Gazette and Rhiannon’s oblivious boss who frequently calls her “Sweetpea.” Dustin Demri-Burns, Luke McGibney, and Ingrid Oliver round out the ensemble cast, each contributing to the darkly comedic and tense atmosphere that characterizes the series.
Episodes That Explore Dark Fantasies
The series kicks off with the episode titled “Sorry For Your Loss,” setting the tone for Rhiannon’s descent into chaos. Following the death of her father, Rhiannon finds herself spiraling as her unresolved issues with her family, her career, and her own self-worth come to the fore. The first episode ends with Rhiannon committing her first murder, a shocking moment that ignites the dark narrative arc of the show. The subsequent episodes promise to delve deeper into Rhiannon’s psyche, with titles such as “This Sort of Thing Needs Some Feminine Energy” and “Black Spots in the Garage” hinting at further exploration of her increasingly unhinged state.
One of the key themes in Sweetpea is the contrast between the ordinary and the extreme. While Rhiannon is stuck in the mundane life of an office worker, she begins to find new power and purpose through acts of violence. As the series progresses, the audience is invited to consider how suppressed emotions, societal expectations, and personal trauma can sometimes manifest in dangerous ways.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Sweetpea
The journey from page to screen for Sweetpea began in 2017 when See-Saw Films optioned CJ Skuse’s novel. Sky Atlantic joined the project in 2019, and with Kirstie Swain at the helm as the series writer, Sweetpea was set to be a darkly comedic, psychological exploration of a woman pushed to her limits. The production brought together a powerhouse team, with executive producers from both See-Saw Films and Sky Studios, ensuring the adaptation stayed true to the essence of Skuse’s novel.
Filming took place in various locations in the UK, including Southend-on-Sea, which served as the backdrop for many of the key scenes in the show. The town’s Observation Tower, Cliff Lift, and Adventure Island theme park were among the notable locations, giving the series a distinct coastal atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the darker themes at play. Additional scenes were shot near the River Colne in Oxhey Park, Watford, adding a scenic yet eerie quality to the visual narrative.
One of the standout elements of the production is the title sequence, created by Peter Anderson Studio. It visually encapsulates Rhiannon’s turbulent mental state through the use of brutalist art styles, neon lights, and symbols of violence, all while setting a gritty tone with a bespoke hand-drawn typeface.
Reception and Critical Reviews
In its initial release, Sweetpea has received a mix of praise and critique. The show currently holds an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics commending Ella Purnell’s portrayal of Rhiannon as a “diabolical delight.” Many have pointed out the clever balance between dark comedy and the more chilling aspects of Rhiannon’s descent into violence, with some likening the show’s tone to a mix between American Psycho and Fleabag.
On Metacritic, Sweetpea holds a score of 69, with reviews noting the series’ unique blend of humor and horror but also commenting on its occasional uneven pacing. Lucy Mangan, writing for The Guardian, was less enthusiastic, arguing that the show lacked the sharpness and depth of the original novel. However, others have praised the adaptation for its bold choices and willingness to tackle dark subject matter with a comedic edge.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Sweetpea has also played a crucial role in shaping the tone of the series. With a score composed by Isobel Waller-Bridge and the theme song “Do You See Me Now” performed by Chinchilla, the music underscores Rhiannon’s internal struggle and transformation. In addition to the original score, the series features a range of popular music from artists such as Billie Eilish, Icona Pop, Labi Siffre, and the Spice Girls, reflecting the blend of nostalgia and chaos that defines Rhiannon’s world.
As Sweetpea continues to unfold on screen, viewers can expect a dark, twisted ride through the mind of a woman who refuses to be ignored any longer. With its bold storytelling, compelling performances, and unique blend of humor and horror, Sweetpea is quickly carving out a space as one of the most intriguing new shows of 2024.
