“Sweetpea” (2024), a dark comedy-drama created by Kirstie Swain, delivers a chilling yet darkly humorous exploration of a sociopathic protagonist, blending sharp wit and shocking violence as it delves into the complexities of a killer’s mind and the mundane realities of her everyday life.
The film stars Ella Purnell as Rhiannon, a seemingly ordinary woman trapped in the suffocating monotony of a small Welsh town. Struggling with suppressed anger and a sense of underachievement, she works as a receptionist at the Carnsham Gazette, dreaming of a career as a junior reporter. However, she is constantly overlooked and ignored, leading to her mounting resentment against those around her. Secretly, she maintains a “kill list” for those who irritate her, with much of her rage directed at Julia Blenkinsopp, a former high school bully whom she blames for her timid, unremarkable life.
As Rhiannon’s frustrations grow, her dark impulses drive her to lash out violently, raising suspicion and fear among the community. She tries to cover her tracks and maintain a facade of normalcy, all the while working as a journalist to write about the murders she has committed. As the investigation into the murders intensifies, detective Marina follows her tracks. Rhiannon grows increasingly paranoid, and she struggles to keep her violent tendencies hidden. The series concludes on an ambiguous note, with the question of whether justice is served or if she managed to evade consequences remaining unanswered.
Rhiannon’s character arc seems to pivot on the thin line between justice and a darker compulsion, where her initial sense of moral justification gradually erodes, revealing a deeper, perhaps insatiable, desire for killing. The way she selectively targets “horrible” people suggests a vigilante complex, though as her justifications weaken, it becomes clear that her motivation goes beyond simple retribution. The gradual erosion of her moral compass invites viewers to reflect on whether she is driven by a genuine desire to rid the world of “bad” individuals or by an uncontrollable need to indulge her own violent impulses. The ending leaves viewers with a reflection on Rhiannon’s character and the darker aspects of human nature. At some point, the matter of whether Rhiannon realizes the immorality of her actions or simply remains oblivious to her true motivations is called into question.
Purnell delivers an engaging and committed performance to convey Rhiannon’s emotions, making her an sympathetic character despite her disturbing actions. It was especially enjoyable to see the juxtaposition between Rhiannon and a detective Marina, who suspects Rhiannon to be responsible for the murders around town. They both suppress their anger and maintain a “kill list”; however, while Marina has the control and awareness to understand that she should not bring the violence in her imagination to reality, Rhiannon gives in to hers without hesitation. It would have been interesting to explore Marina’s backstory further, especially given how different her morals are from Rhiannon’s.
After watching the series, viewers will be left thinking about the duality of human nature, morality and justice and the moments in which they may have felt trapped in their own lives.
