The SCAD Savannah Film Festival—a distinguished celebration of film that consistently showcases potential award-winning films—recently hosted the world premiere of the much-anticipated romantic comedy, Sweethearts. Directed by Jordan Weiss, Sweethearts stars Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga, and tells the heartfelt yet humorous tale of two college friends who navigate the end of their high school relationships during Thanksgiving break.
Sweethearts Premiere
The world premiere of Sweethearts took place on October 31, 2024, at the prestigious Trustees Theater during the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. The event drew an array of luminaries from the film industry, creating a night to remember. Renowned actor Kevin Costner attended, where he was honored with the Legend of Cinema Award. Costner’s presence underscored the festival’s commitment to celebrating cinematic excellence and drew significant media attention to the event.
Also present was Annette Bening, who gave a powerful speech on the importance of storytelling in modern cinema. Her words resonated with audiences and set an inspiring tone for the evening, celebrating both emerging talent and the festival’s legacy of honoring cinematic visionaries.
Following the premiere, Sweethearts received an overwhelmingly positive response from the audience, who praised its fresh take on the college comedy genre. Fans and critics alike took to social media to express their admiration for the film’s witty dialogue, the on-screen chemistry between Shipka and Hiraga, and its engaging storyline. Many found the film’s exploration of friendship, love, and identity especially relatable, lauding it as a refreshing addition to romantic comedy.
Adding to the excitement, musician Jon Bon Jovi made a surprise appearance, delivering a heartfelt speech in support of his son, Jake Bongiovi, who is making his acting debut in Sweethearts. The moment was both unexpected and touching, drawing cheers from the audience and adding an extra layer of sentiment to the evening.
The premiere concluded with an engaging Q&A session with director Jordan Weiss, writers, and the main cast members. Fans had the opportunity to learn about the creative process behind Sweethearts, gaining insight into the actors’ approach to their roles and the behind-the-scenes dynamics. This Q&A session left fans eagerly awaiting more from the talented cast and crew.
Sweethearts Film Summary
“Sweethearts” explores a unique, turbulent journey of college freshmen who are dealing with complex emotions and life transitions. Shipka and Hiraga’s characters—two best friends—are facing an age-old dilemma: maintaining long-distance relationships with their high school partners. In an emotional twist, they make a mutual agreement to break things off with their long-distance sweethearts during Thanksgiving. The story unfolds on the notorious night before Thanksgiving, widely known as “Drunksgiving,” a chaotic and emotional evening for the duo, filled with comedic and heartfelt moments.
Throughout the film, themes of self-discovery, friendship, and emotional growth resonate, portraying the complex journey from adolescence to adulthood. The storyline brings both relatable humor and introspective depth to the screen, appealing to audiences navigating similar life stages and relationships.
Sweethearts Cast
Each character in Sweethearts contributes to the film’s depth, humor, and emotional resonance. Here’s a closer look at the standout characters:
Kiernan Shipka, celebrated for her role in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, plays Jessie—a witty, determined college freshman grappling with the realities of a failing long-distance relationship. Shipka portrays Jessie with raw authenticity, seamlessly balancing vulnerability and strength as her character explores whether love can truly survive across distances. Her chemistry with Nico Hiraga provides the core emotional pull of the film, grounding it in authenticity. Nico Hiraga, known for his role in Booksmart, brings charm, humor, and depth to his character, Ben. Best friends with Jessie, Ben is also struggling with a long-distance relationship, making him equally invested in their pact. Hiraga’s portrayal of Ben delivers comedic timing and heartfelt authenticity, making him a character audiences root for. His relationship with Jessie serves as the emotional heart of the story, revealing the strength of their friendship and the emotional layers beneath their laughter. Tramell Tillman, acclaimed for his role in Severance, takes on the role of Marcus, a quirky yet introspective character who adds complexity and introspection to the story. Marcus’s perspective and his interactions with Jessie and Ben serve as key moments of growth, shedding light on the challenges of balancing friendships and romantic relationships.
Caleb Hearon portrays Will, the artsy and openly gay friend who adds both humor and heart to the film. Will’s character provides support and lightness, bringing comic relief while adding depth to the friendship group’s dynamic. Hearon’s performance breathes life into Will, making him a fan-favorite whose humor underscores the film’s more intense moments. Ava Demary’s character, Samantha, is Ben’s high school sweetheart, blindsided by the break-up pact. Her portrayal brings a relatable sense of shock and sorrow, adding tension to the narrative. Her character serves as a mirror to the protagonist’s decisions, highlighting the consequences of choices made in the heat of the moment.
Charlie Hall plays Jake, Jessie’s high school boyfriend, who is caught off guard by Jessie’s decision to end things. His role introduces a mix of humor and drama, as he brings an outsider’s perspective to the situation. Jake’s character adds another layer of emotional conflict to the film, emphasizing the impact of long-distance strains on relationships. Joel Kim Booster brings lightheartedness to the film as Scott, a fun-loving college student who offers comic relief. His scenes inject levity into emotionally charged moments, giving audiences a reprieve from the more intense plot developments. Christine Taylor plays Mrs. Robertson, Jessie’s mother, who provides a calm, grounding presence in the whirlwind of her daughter’s decisions. Her character’s wisdom and support serve as a counterbalance to Jessie’s impulsive choices, showing the intergenerational influence on relationships and decision-making.
Highly rated romantic comedy
With its world premiere at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Sweethearts has set a high standard for romantic comedies in 2024. The film’s relatable storyline, combined with its ensemble cast of rising and established stars, positions it as a standout in the genre. Sweethearts succeeds in capturing the complexity of young love and the nuanced dynamics of friendship, making it a film that resonates across generations.
The overwhelmingly positive reception suggests that Sweethearts could be on track to becoming an instant classic. Its unique narrative, paired with a talented cast and heartfelt direction by Weiss, makes it a refreshing addition to the world of romantic comedies.
