ONLINE SALES NOW CLOSED - TICKETS ON THE DOOR FROM 5:30PM.

Off the Wall Films presents

SWEET THING

Alexandre Rockwell, USA, 2020, 91m, 15

NB - Doors at 5:30pm for a 6:30pm start.

A return to form for ‘90s indie darling Rockwell, with this heartfelt and incandescent film starring his children and wife. Lana Rockwell (in a performance that should have made her a star) plays Billie, named for singer Billie Holiday whom she sees as guardian angel and all-round inspiration. She lives with her energetic younger brother Nico and wayward father Adam, who is generous with his love when sober but an unpredictable handful when drunk. Billie’s mother Eve is now living with Beau, and seems to have washed her hands of Adam and her children. This dysfunctional family dynamic is the background to events that come to a head, leading Billie, Nico and new friend Malik to set out from Bedford, Massachusetts with Florida in mind. What follows is a liberating road trip – until reality intervenes. In luminous monochrome (and occasional flashes of colour) with sterling performances from Lana Rockwell, Nico Rockwell and Bill Patton (as Adam), the film is truly a sweet thing of beauty.

'A soulful, uplifting, but also heartbreaking look at race and poverty’s impact on troubled childhood… a welcome return to form for the accomplished indie filmmaker’ – RogerEbert.com

'…this small, delicate, late-blooming film is quite lovely, and a throwback to the 1990s/2000s craze for semi-improvised, rough and ready indie film-making’ - The Guardian.

'Alexandre Rockwell gets vibrant performances from his own kids in this lo-fi, monochrome drama about coming of age in poverty and hope’ – Variety.

'What makes this simple story special is the style that the writer and director Alexandre Rockwell brings to the screen’ – The New York Times.

'...if this one doesn't make a star of [Rockwell's] eldest, Lana, the right people aren't paying attention’ – Reeling Reviews.

‘As for the subject, Sweet Thing is a moving study in the resilience of children and it is played to perfection… anyone who appreciates great acting should seek out’ – Film Review.

Voluntary donations - Off the Wall Films is a not-for-profit enterprise. All donations - very gratefully received - will go towards improving the OtWF programme and the presentation of films at WSC.

Carers' tickets - we offer complimentary tickets to carers of people with disabilities. If you would like to attend the screening along with the person in your care please message  offthewall@gmx.co.uk  with your request for a ticket. Please note - you are eligible for this offer only if you are accompanied by a paying person with disabilities.