Sweetpea Review: A Darkly Addictive Journey into the Mind of a Killer

Starz’s adaptation of CJ Skuse’s novel Sweetpea is a deliciously dark and captivating television series. With its mix of dark comedy and drama, the series dives deep into the psyche of Rhiannon Lewis, played brilliantly by Ella Purnell. The show, which premieres on October 10, 2024, is already generating buzz for its unique storytelling, unpredictable twists, and stellar performances.

What Makes Sweetpea Stand Out?

If you’re expecting a straightforward adaptation of the Sweetpea novel, think again. Showrunner Kirstie Swain, alongside a talented team of writers, has breathed new life into the narrative, crafting a show that feels fresh, even for those familiar with the source material. The brilliance of this adaptation lies in its ability to merge the best elements of the novel with new, surprising twists. The show keeps you on edge, constantly wondering what will happen next, regardless of whether you’ve read the book.

This adaptation is a thrilling mix of dark humour and suspense, reminiscent of Fleabag but with the dangerous, twisted edge of You. However, what truly sets Sweetpea apart is its protagonist, Rhiannon Lewis, a character brought to life with stunning complexity by Ella Purnell. Rhiannon is, in many ways, the epitome of a modern anti-heroine flawed, unhinged, yet oddly relatable.

A Killer Protagonist: The Rise of Rhiannon Lewis

Rhiannon Lewis isn’t your average protagonist. She’s not someone you would expect to root for, yet the show invites viewers to see things from her perspective, making her surprisingly sympathetic. Unlike Joe Goldberg from You, who is driven by his distorted need for love and control, Rhiannon’s journey is more about reclaiming power in a life where she’s been invisible for far too long.

Purnell’s portrayal of Rhiannon is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her ability to shift seamlessly between vulnerability and calculated violence is what makes the character so compelling. Rhiannon starts as a quiet, overlooked woman whose frustrations with life boil over into something far more dangerous. The audience can’t help but be drawn into her world as she navigates the blurred line between justice and psychopathy.

The Plot Unfolds: Dark Comedy Meets Psychological Drama

The show begins with Rhiannon leading a fairly mundane life working a thankless job, dealing with an uncommitted love interest, and caring for her ailing father. But when her life starts to unravel, Rhiannon reaches a breaking point, unleashing a side of herself that she never knew existed. The murder she commits sets off a chain of events that leaves both the audience and Rhiannon questioning just how far she’s willing to go to regain control over her life.

What makes Sweetpea unique is how it masterfully combines dark humour with intense psychological drama. The show doesn’t shy away from showing Rhiannon’s violent actions, but it also finds humour in the absurdity of her situations. The comedic moments often catch you off guard, creating a contrast that makes the darker scenes hit even harder. It’s this delicate balance between humour and horror that keeps the show from becoming too grim while still delivering a gripping narrative.

A Character-Driven Story: The Power of Performance

Ella Purnell’s performance as Rhiannon is undoubtedly the highlight of Sweetpea. Her ability to convey the inner turmoil of a character teetering on the edge of sanity is captivating. Through subtle shifts in tone and body language, Purnell makes Rhiannon a character who is as complex as she is dangerous. The show relies heavily on Purnell’s ability to make Rhiannon both relatable and terrifying, and she delivers in every scene.

Supporting Purnell is a cast of well-developed characters who each bring something unique to the story. Jeremy Swift plays Norman, Rhiannon’s boss at The Gazette, a character who provides an interesting foil to Rhiannon’s escalating behaviour. Leah Harvey shines as Marina, the police officer tasked with investigating the series of murders that Rhiannon has left in her wake. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic adds an extra layer of tension to the story, particularly as Marina begins to close in on the truth.

The Impact of Music: Setting the Tone with Isobel Waller-Bridge

A strong narrative is one thing, but Sweetpea also excels in its use of music to heighten the emotional stakes. The musical score, composed by Isobel Waller-Bridge, perfectly captures the essence of the show. The upbeat yet dark tones mirror Rhiannon’s own inner conflict, adding depth to already intense scenes. Whether it’s the eerie melodies that underscore her more violent moments or the light, ironic tunes that play during her more comedic escapades, the music enhances the viewing experience in a way that makes Sweetpea even more addictive.

Rhiannon Lewis: A Modern Anti-Heroine

The beauty of Sweetpea lies in its exploration of Rhiannon as an anti-heroine. She’s not a villain in the traditional sense she doesn’t kill for pleasure or power. Instead, her actions are driven by years of frustration and pain. She’s been overlooked, undervalued, and ignored for most of her life, and when she finally snaps, it’s a release of all the emotions she’s kept bottled up for so long.

Unlike many other characters in similar roles, Rhiannon isn’t entirely unsympathetic. The show does an excellent job of showing how she’s been shaped by her experiences, making her actions feel, if not justified, at least understandable. You don’t always agree with her, but you can see where she’s coming from, which makes her journey all the more compelling.

The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Background Players

While Rhiannon is undeniably the star of the show, the supporting cast plays an integral role in Sweetpea’s success. Jeremy Swift’s portrayal of Norman, the oblivious and sometimes cruel boss, contrasts sharply with the kind-hearted Leslie Higgins from Ted Lasso, showcasing Swift’s versatility as an actor. Norman’s dismissiveness toward Rhiannon is one of the many factors that contribute to her eventual breakdown.

Leah Harvey’s Marina is another standout character. As a detective determined to get to the bottom of the murder spree, Marina’s character is complex and relatable. She, too, understands what it means to be overlooked in her career, but unlike Rhiannon, she channels that frustration into her work. Her interactions with Rhiannon are some of the most tense and intriguing moments in the series, especially as Marina gets closer to uncovering the truth.

A Show That Balances Humour and Violence

One of the biggest challenges for Sweetpea is maintaining its balance between dark comedy and violent drama. Too much focus on either could easily derail the show, but the creators manage to walk this tightrope with surprising grace. The humour is never forced, and the violence never feels gratuitous. Instead, both elements are used to enhance the narrative, making it a more engaging and thought-provoking watch.

The comedic moments often arise from the absurdity of Rhiannon’s situation, such as her interactions with clueless coworkers or her internal monologue about the people she encounters. These lighter moments provide much-needed relief from the darker aspects of the show, preventing it from becoming too heavy or depressing.

The Final Twist: A Cliffhanger That Leaves You Wanting More

Sweetpea isn’t afraid to take risks, and the season finale is proof of that. Without giving too much away, the last episode ends with a shocking twist that will leave viewers gasping for breath. It’s a bold move, but one that feels earned, considering the twists and turns that have come before it. The finale leaves plenty of unanswered questions, setting the stage for a potential second season that promises to be just as thrilling as the first.

A Must-Watch for Fans of Dark Comedy and Psychological Thrillers

Sweetpea is a standout series that masterfully blends dark humour with intense psychological drama. Ella Purnell’s performance as Rhiannon Lewis is a tour de force, making the character one of the most compelling anti-heroines on television today. With its sharp writing, well-developed characters, and a perfect balance of comedy and violence, Sweetpea is a must-watch for anyone looking for a show that will keep them on the edge of their seat. Whether you’re a fan of dark comedies like Fleabag or psychological thrillers like You, Sweetpea offers something fresh and exciting. So, buckle up for a wild ride Rhiannon Lewis is not a character you’ll soon forget.