Sweetness is a 2025 Canadian drama-thriller film directed and written by Emma Higgins. The story follows 16-year-old Rylee, whose chance encounter with her rockstar crush leads her into an emotionally dangerous situation when she discovers that he is a dysfunctional drug addict. Believing she can help him, Rylee becomes entangled in adult problems far beyond her understanding. The film explores obsession, addiction, and the blurred line between teenage fantasy and harsh reality. It was released in the United States on March 7, 2025, by Saban Films.
Sweetness Age Rating
Sweetness is rated R for violence/bloody images, drug content, language, and some sexual references. The rating reflects the film’s realistic depictions of addiction, moments of disturbing imagery, emotionally intense confrontations, and sexual references tied to unhealthy boundaries. Strong profanity is used throughout, and the overall tone is mature and unsettling. Parents should expect a raw, intense narrative focused on manipulation, instability, and consequences of substance abuse.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Sweetness is rooted in emotional volatility and the dangerous behavior of an adult addict. The film includes disturbing or bloody images connected to drug-related incidents and self-destructive behavior. Rylee is placed in unsafe environments where physical and emotional danger feel constant. The atmosphere is tense and unpredictable, with scenes that may frighten or overwhelm sensitive viewers. The sense of peril comes from instability, emotional breakdowns, risky decisions, and moments suggesting potential harm.
Language
The film contains frequent strong profanity, including repeated use of harsh expletives during emotional confrontations and crisis moments. While hate-based slurs are not a central focus, the tone of the dialogue is consistently adult, blunt, and intense. Language is used to highlight stress, desperation, and the chaotic emotional environment surrounding addiction.
Mature Themes
Sweetness deals with several heavy themes: drug addiction, relapse, and substance paraphernalia; adult–teen power imbalance; obsession and unhealthy emotional attachment; sexual references and suggestive behavior; police involvement; and the pressure placed on a minor to “fix” an unstable adult. The film portrays the psychological impact of idolizing celebrities and how easily admiration can shift into manipulation. These themes are mature, realistic, and emotionally complex.
Is Sweetness Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The film’s disturbing imagery, emotional instability, drug use, and adult themes make it inappropriate for preteens. The content may be frightening or confusing.
Ages 13–15: With guidance, but generally not recommended. Even though the protagonist is a teenager, the story involves addiction, manipulation, sexual references, and emotionally dangerous situations. Younger teens may struggle with the intensity and may misinterpret the unhealthy relationships shown. Parents should pre-screen the film before allowing viewing.
Ages 16–17: Caution advised. Older teens may understand the symbolic and emotional messages, but the intensity of addiction, strong language, and the depiction of unsafe boundaries still require parental discussion. Viewing is safest when paired with conversations about consent, emotional safety, and the risks of trying to rescue someone battling addiction.
Final recommendation
Rated R — intended for adults. Parents should watch Sweetness before allowing their teen to view it and consider their teen’s emotional maturity, tolerance for disturbing imagery, and understanding of addiction, manipulation, and risky situations.
What Parents Can Do
Watch the film first to understand scenes involving drug use, emotional breakdowns, unsafe relationships, and moments that may disturb sensitive viewers. Talk to your teen about the film’s depiction of obsession, unrealistic fantasies, and why minors cannot take responsibility for an adult’s dangerous behavior. Explain addiction and relapse honestly to prevent confusion or fear. After watching, discuss how Rylee’s actions were influenced by fantasy, why those choices were unsafe, and how real-life situations require clearer boundaries and support from trusted adults.
FAQs
Q: What is Sweetness rated?
A: Sweetness is rated R for violence/bloody images, drug content, language, and sexual references.
Q: Is Sweetness appropriate for teens?
A: It is not suitable for younger teens. Older teens may watch with strong parental guidance.
Q: Are there disturbing scenes?
A: Yes. Disturbing moments include bloody images, emotional volatility, and drug-related instability.
Q: Does the film contain drug use?
A: Yes. Addiction, relapse, and substance paraphernalia are central to the story.
Q: Is there sexual content?
A: There are sexual references and suggestive interactions, but explicit sexual scenes are not the focus.
Q: Where can I watch Sweetness?
A: The film was released theatrically in the United States on March 7, 2025, by Saban Films.