Sweethearts: Release date, plot, where to watch, and more

Sweethearts is an upcoming American romantic comedy that examines the complexities of friendships and relationships during the transitional phase of young adulthood. Directed by Jordan Weiss, known for her work on Hulu’s Dollface, the film marks her feature directorial debut.

Co-written with Dan Brier, the screenplay delves into the universal themes of breaking up, self-discovery, and navigating emotional turbulence in the first year of college.

Sweethearts is scheduled for release on November 28, 2024, exclusively on Max.

The story revolves around two close friends, Ben and Jamie, who find themselves juggling long-distance relationships with their high school partners while trying to adapt to college life.

Against the backdrop of Thanksgiving, a time traditionally associated with reunions and reflection, the pair decides to end their relationships on Drunksgiving, the chaotic night before Thanksgiving.

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Plot details of Sweethearts

The plot centers on Ben (Nico Hiraga) and Jamie (Kiernan Shipka), best friends since the eighth grade, who have managed to attend the same out-of-state college.

Despite their close bond, both are in long-distance relationships with their high school sweethearts\ Claire (Ava DeMary), an aspiring actress in Ohio, and Simon (Charlie Hall), a football player at Harvard.

The narrative unfolds as both characters realize their relationships have become burdensome. Ben is overwhelmed by Claire’s constant attention, marked by excessive phone calls, while Jamie finds herself emotionally disconnected from Simon.

They decide to break up with their partners during a hometown reunion on Drunksgiving, a tradition where old friends gather the night before Thanksgiving.

However, what begins as a straightforward plan quickly devolves into a night filled with unexpected challenges, missteps, and moments of self-reflection.

The film explores the idea of the Turkey Dump, a colloquial term for breaking up with a significant other during Thanksgiving. This central theme provides the framework for examining the growing pains of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.

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Where to watch Sweethearts?

The film will be available for streaming exclusively on Max, the platform operated by Warner Bros. Discovery. The release aligns with Thanksgiving, making it a timely addition to the holiday season’s watchlist. International release dates, including for viewers in the UK, are yet to be announced.

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More details on Sweethearts

Sweethearts features an ensemble cast led by Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga. Shipka, widely recognized for her performances in Mad Men and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, plays Jamie, a sharp and somewhat guarded college freshman struggling to balance her emotions and obligations.

Hiraga, known for his roles in films like Booksmart and Moxie, portrays Ben, a laid-back yet affectionate character who finds himself at a crossroads in his personal life.

The supporting cast includes Caleb Hearon as Palmer, a friend hosting a coming-out party that serves as a key setting for the film’s events. Charlie Hall plays Simon, Jamie’s boyfriend, while Ava DeMary appears as Claire, Ben’s high school sweetheart.

Christine Taylor takes on the role of Diane, Ben’s overly enthusiastic mother. Other notable cast members include Joel Kim Booster, Tramell Tillman, and Jake Bongiovi, all contributing to the story’s humor and emotional depth.

Production for Sweethearts was completed in August 2022, with filming taking place in New Jersey. Key locations included Jersey City, Cranford, and Ramapo College in Mahwah, offering an authentic backdrop for the story.

The screenplay, co-written by Weiss and Brier, balances humor and sincerity, exploring the nuances of relationships during a period of significant personal growth.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its focus on the complexities of platonic friendships between men and women. Ben and Jamie’s relationship serves as the emotional core of the story, highlighting the challenges of maintaining close bonds while navigating individual growth.

The story avoids falling into predictable romantic tropes, instead emphasizing the importance of friendship and self-awareness.

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For the unversed, Sweethearts will be available to stream only on Max.