Sweet Thing (2020)
A raw, tender indie drama about childhood, freedom, and the bonds that carry us through the hardest times.
Sweet Thing - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sweet Thing
- Release Year: 2020
- Directed by: Alexandre Rockwell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 22, 2020 (Netherlands - 12), June 18, 2021 (United States - NR), September 10, 2021 (United Kingdom), June 16, 2021 (France)
- Alternative Titles: 愛しい存在 (JP), Streuner und Banditen (DE)
- Production Companies: Blackhorse Productions, Twisted Holdings
- Production Countries: United States of America
Sweet Thing - Plot
For Billie and Nico, life with their father is a roller-coaster ride of playfulness and unease. When he is in the grip of alcohol, tears flow and their apparently idyllic family life collapses. Their mostly absent and irresponsible mother is not much help either. But their friendship with Malik, a boy of Billie's age, frees them from their shackles. Together they embark on a journey full of intense moments of freedom. The colourful, emotional world of the three young people is depicted in kaleidoscopic black and white imagery, which opens space for their own notions of childhood. Alexandre Rockwell's tale portrays a profound sense of solidarity and deep love: for cinema and Billie Holiday, and also for risk and adventure.
Sweet Thing - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Billie, Nico, and Malik come to life.
Where to Watch Sweet Thing
Looking for where to watch Sweet Thing?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Sweet Thing - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alexandre Rockwell
Main Cast
- Lana Rockwell
- Nico Rockwell
- Will Patton
- Karyn Parsons
- ML Josepher
- Jabari Watkins
- Steven Randazzo
Writers
- Alexandre Rockwell
Producers
- Jennifer Beals
- R.D. Dobson
- Louis Anania
- Kenan Baysal
- Haley Elizabeth Anderson
Sweet Thing - FAQs
Why is Sweet Thing filmed in black and white?
Alexandre Rockwell chose black and white cinematography to give the film a timeless, dreamlike quality. The monochrome palette, captured by cinematographer Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøll, reflects the children's inner world — turning a difficult reality into something kaleidoscopic and emotionally vivid, evoking classic cinema and the spirit of Billie Holiday.
Are the child actors in Sweet Thing related to the director?
Yes — Lana and Nico Rockwell, who play siblings Billie and Nico, are Alexandre Rockwell's real-life children. Their natural chemistry and genuine bond give the film an extraordinary authenticity. It's a deeply personal project, with the director casting his own family at the heart of the story.
What is Sweet Thing about?
Sweet Thing follows Billie and Nico, two children navigating an unstable home shaped by their father's alcoholism and an absent mother. When they befriend Malik, the three embark on a freewheeling journey together. Critics praised it as a tender, visually poetic coming-of-age film full of warmth and resilience.
Does Sweet Thing have a happy ending?
Sweet Thing ends on a note of cautious hope rather than tidy resolution. The children's journey doesn't erase the hardships of their home life, but their bond — with each other and with Malik — suggests a kind of emotional freedom and solidarity that transcends their circumstances. It's bittersweet and deeply moving.
Who are the main actors in Sweet Thing?
The cast is led by Lana Rockwell as Billie and Nico Rockwell as her brother Nico, with Will Patton playing their troubled father Adam and Karyn Parsons as their mother Eve. Jabari Watkins rounds out the central trio as Malik, the boy whose friendship transforms the siblings' world.
Where can you stream Sweet Thing?
You can watch Sweet Thing on Kanopy and Hoopla for free with a library card. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — so there are plenty of ways to catch this indie gem.
What is the age rating for Sweet Thing?
Sweet Thing is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. The film deals with themes of parental alcoholism, family instability, and childhood vulnerability, so it may not be suitable for very young viewers. Parents may want to watch it first before sharing it with children or teenagers.
What films are similar to Sweet Thing?
If Sweet Thing moved you, you'll likely connect with C'mon C'mon (2021), another black-and-white portrait of a child navigating adult uncertainty, as well as Bob Trevino Likes It (2025) and Tótem (2023). For something with a similar raw, intimate energy, She Paradise (2021) and The Mudge Boy (2003) are worth exploring.
More About Sweet Thing
Explore further details about Sweet Thing on these trusted resources.