Directed by Sean Price Williams
Starring: Talia Ryder, Simon Rex, Jeremy O. Harris, Ayo Edebiri
The Sweet East is an unapologetically scruffy road movie that takes viewers on a strange odyssey through America’s most dangerous and annoying subcultures. At its heart is Talia Ryder, whose performance as the independent high schooler Lillian is nothing short of intoxicating.
Lillian, flung from one bizarre piece of America to the next, encounters absurdity at every turn. From a pizza restaurant shooting echoing real-life Pizzagate to raucous Maryland punks and a monotonous motormouth neo-Nazi obsessed with Edgar Allan Poe, Lillian’s travels are filled with characters who should be funny but often veer into the surreal.
Ryder’s Lillian is a revelation. Her default mode may be doe-eyed dull, but she’s no fool. She adapts quickly to each situation, squeezing herself into whatever shape is required. From the opening credits sequence where she swoons an incredibly catchy dream pop ballad in the bathroom mirror, Ryder captivates the audience. Amid the film’s amusing and electric but uneven moments, Ryder provides an anchor. Her mysterious performance keeps us invested as Lillian navigates a world of wannabe shysters, each trying to control her in their own way. Ryder’s portrayal is both compelling and enigmatic, leaving us wondering what lies beneath Lillian’s surface.
As Lillian becomes a missing persons headline and a budding tabloid figure, Ryder’s acting prowess shines. She effortlessly draws us into Lillian’s journey, making us care about this directionless teenager lost in America’s extremes. Ryder’s presence elevates the film beyond its quirks and oddities. Ryder’s chemistry with the ensemble cast is palpable. Whether it’s her interactions with Simon Rex’s motormouth neo-Nazi or the caricatures played by Ayo Edebiri, Jeremy O. Harris, and Jacob Elordi, Ryder holds her own. She transforms Lillian into a star, capturing our attention in every scene.
The Sweet East paints America as a broken-down theme park, and Ryder’s performance embodies this decay. She’s the beating heart of the film, navigating its ideological grossness with grace and authenticity. Even when the movie veers into disorienting territory, Ryder remains a steady force.
Talia Ryder’s intoxicating screen presence in The Sweet East is a testament to her talent. She elevates the film, turning it into a mesmerizing exploration of America’s extremes. As Lillian, Ryder invites us to join her on this wild ride, and we gladly accept.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
