Sweetpea, the dark comedy-drama created by Kirstie Swain and adapted from CJ Skuse’s novel, made its debut on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Starz in the US and Canada on October 10, 2024. Starring Ella Purnell in the lead role, alongside Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso), Calam Lynch (Bridgerton), and Jon Pointing (Big Boys), the series delivers a unique mix of comedy, crime, and horror — complete with plenty of blood and dark humor.
The show does a remarkable job capturing the essence of small British towns, especially through the authentic portrayal of Rhiannon’s bleak and lonely existence early on. Jon Pointing, in particular, brings a convincing realism to his character, grounding the story in a world that feels lived-in and believable. This accurate depiction of setting and character contrasts perfectly with the series’ more outrageous, violent moments.
At the heart of Sweetpea is Ella Purnell, whose portrayal of Rhiannon carries the show. As a deeply isolated and complex figure, Purnell manages to keep the audience engaged by balancing sympathy with unsettling unpredictability. Her performance is enhanced by subtle visual cues, such as her character’s thinning hair, which effectively symbolizes the physical toll bullying takes on Rhiannon.
The series’ exploration of bullying is one of its strongest elements. The toxic dynamic between Rhiannon and her school bully Julia, played by Nicôle Lecky, rings true. Julia’s character—an estate agent stuck in a cycle of petty cruelty—feels like a real person who has never moved past her schoolyard nastiness. Watching Rhiannon’s attempts to maintain a friendship with her tormentor is both painful and compelling, capturing the lingering trauma of bullying. However, some of the dialogue, especially lines from Julia, occasionally feels forced and takes the viewer out of the story, with awkward jokes like the “avocado toast” remark and comments about Rhiannon’s pupils feeling out of place.
Violence is unflinchingly depicted throughout the series, including some truly harrowing deaths. The killing of a dog is notably distressing and arguably the worst in the series, overshadowing even the brutal fate of Jeff, who is hit by a lorry. Interestingly, the deaths of several male characters seem less impactful, partly because their behavior makes them less sympathetic, which adds a complex layer to how the violence is perceived.
With the current appetite for true crime stories—especially among middle-aged female audiences who may relate to the themes in Sweetpea—it’s clear why the show has resonated with viewers. Still, some plot developments feel predictable. The storyline pairing Rhiannon with the junior detective Marina offers satisfying parallels, but the clear division between “good” and “evil” comes across as somewhat simplistic. Marina’s character arc, including her break-in to Rhiannon’s home, was foreshadowed by trailers and marketing materials, making the twists feel less surprising and the viewing experience more straightforward.
Overall, Sweetpea has the vibe of a young adult drama, just with a darker edge, as the personalities and dialogue sometimes feel youthful and lacking in nuance. The series wraps up tidily, which means it doesn’t leave viewers with lingering questions or complex themes to unpack after the final episode.
The ending delivers a notable twist involving AJ, with a repeated line from earlier in the show signaling a revelation. While the twist itself was unexpected, the accompanying line “nice bit of kit that” didn’t quite stick with me, and the finale felt a bit rushed in places. However, the closing scene, where Seren returns home and the fate of Rhiannon is left ambiguous, works well. It invites the audience to imagine what comes next and provides a lingering sense of mystery.
In sum, Sweetpea is a well-crafted, distinctly British drama that blends dark comedy with crime and horror elements. Ella Purnell’s strong performance anchors the show, which thoughtfully tackles themes of trauma and bullying within a small-town setting. Despite some predictable plot points and occasional stilted dialogue, Sweetpea offers a gripping, bloody, and darkly funny ride that fans of the genre will likely appreciate.
