The Story of Sweethearts
Sweethearts tells the story of two college freshmen who've made a commitment that seemed like a good idea at the time: they're sticking with their high school sweethearts even though they're now living on campus and experiencing the full weight of college independence. But when Thanksgiving break rolls around, reality hits hard. The tagline says it all—"First comes love, then comes college"—and it's that collision between romantic loyalty and personal growth that drives the film's central tension. Both characters realize they need to pull what the film calls a "Turkey Dump," breaking up with their partners during "Drunksgiving," the chaotic, anything-goes night before Thanksgiving in their hometown. What unfolds is a 98-minute whirlwind of bad decisions, honest conversations, and the kind of friendship that gets tested when you're both trying to do the right thing at exactly the wrong moment.
Behind the Making of Sweethearts
Sweethearts marks the feature directorial debut of Jordan Weiss, who co-wrote the screenplay and brought the project to life through Picturestart and New Line Cinema. The film stars Kiernan Shipka—best known for her role in Mad Men—alongside Nico Hiraga, Caleb Hearon, Tramell Tillman, Charlie Hall, and Ava DeMary. It's worth noting that Weiss's transition to feature filmmaking arrived with a solid pedigree; New Line Cinema has a track record of backing comedies that know how to balance humor with genuine emotional stakes. The film premiered on Max on November 28, 2024, giving it a major streaming platform launch right in the heart of the holiday season. While box office numbers aren't the primary metric for streaming releases, the film's immediate availability on a major OTT service meant it could reach millions of viewers in their homes rather than relying on theatrical legs. The R rating signals that this isn't a sanitized teen comedy—there's real language, real drinking, and real messiness baked into the storytelling. Awards-wise, Sweethearts picked up 1 win and 2 nominations across various ceremonies, suggesting that while it may not be sweeping major ceremonies, the film's craft and performances have earned recognition within the industry.
What Makes Sweethearts Stand Out
Critically, Sweethearts lands in that interesting middle ground where it's earned a 62% on Rotten Tomatoes (Fresh), a 57 Metascore, and a 5.6 on IMDb from nearly 4,500 voters. That spread tells you something important: critics were more forgiving than general audiences, which often happens when a film's emotional ambitions outpace its comedic execution. What's striking is that Weiss doesn't lean entirely on the premise's comedic potential—the awkwardness of breaking up with someone you care about—but instead uses that scenario as a springboard for exploring what codependency actually looks like between friends. The performances, particularly Shipka and Hiraga's chemistry, ground the film in something more genuine than you'd expect from a movie with this premise. There's a moment (no spoilers) where the desperation of trying to do the right thing while also protecting your friendship comes into sharp focus, and it's that emotional honesty that separates Sweethearts from the typical college comedy formula. The film doesn't shy away from the fact that these characters are kind of selfish, kind of scared, and absolutely not equipped to handle what they're about to do—which is exactly what makes them feel real. I keep coming back to how rare it is for a comedy to sit with discomfort instead of just mining it for laughs, and Sweethearts manages that balance more often than it doesn't.
Where to Stream Sweethearts Online
Sweethearts is available on major OTT services, with Max being the primary home for the film. Since it's a New Line Cinema release, it's part of the Warner Bros. ecosystem, which means availability may vary depending on your region and subscription tier. Movie OTT tracks current streaming availability across all platforms in real time, so you can check exactly where Sweethearts is streaming in your country right now. The "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page will show you every service currently carrying the film—no need to hunt through three different apps wondering if you have access. Given that the film dropped in late November, it's well-positioned for holiday viewing, whether you're watching alone or with people you're trying not to make things awkward with. Streaming release means you can pause it, rewind that one joke you missed, or skip ahead if a scene gets too cringey (and trust me, there are moments).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who directed Sweethearts?
Jordan Weiss directed and co-wrote Sweethearts in her feature film directorial debut. She brings a sharp eye for character dynamics and an understanding of how humor and heartbreak can coexist in the same scene.
Q: Is Sweethearts based on a true story?
Sweethearts is a fictional screenplay co-written by director Jordan Weiss. While the premise of long-distance high school relationships colliding with college independence is relatable to many people's actual experiences, the film itself is an original story rather than an adaptation or biopic.
Q: What's the plot of Sweethearts?
Two college freshmen who've stayed in relationships with their high school sweethearts decide they need to break up with them during "Drunksgiving," the chaotic night before Thanksgiving in their hometown. The film follows the fallout and what it means for their friendship when both of them are trying to do the right thing at the same time.
Q: Why is Sweethearts rated R?
The film carries an R rating due to language, sexual content, and alcohol use—all of which make sense given the college party setting and the adult themes the film explores around relationships and growing up.
Q: Where can I watch Sweethearts?
Sweethearts is available on Max and other major streaming platforms. Check the "Where to Watch" widget on this page or visit Movie OTT to see all current streaming options in your region.
Final Thoughts on Sweethearts
Sweethearts isn't perfect—the pacing sags in places, and not every joke lands—but it's a debut feature that understands something crucial about its characters' generation: that growing up isn't always a clean break from who you were, and sometimes the hardest conversations happen with the people you're closest to. If you're looking for a comedy that's willing to get messy, both literally and emotionally, this one's worth your time. It's the kind of film that works best if you've ever had to make a hard choice that hurt someone you cared about, or if you've ever realized that loyalty and growth don't always walk hand in hand.