Sweethearts is a fresh take on the themes of relationships and platonic love. From HBO Max, Jamie and Ben are childhood friends beginning their first year at college. What starts as an excuse to break up with high school sweethearts, Simon and Claire, turns out to be a crazy roller-coaster ride that plays with conventional ideas about love and friendship.
Why Jamie and Ben Don’t Get Together
The most shocking plot twist of the movie is that Jamie and Ben, though undoubtedly close, are only friends. Throughout the movie, other characters mention that a man and a woman can’t be this close without being in love. The two even test this theory by kissing each other in a treehouse. But this moment only solidifies their realization-they don’t love each other.
The elements of misdirection, including the romantic soundtrack and the characters’ pensiveness after a kiss, keep the audience in suspense. Ultimately, Jamie and Ben choose their friendship over the norms of society. This conclusion further cements the movie’s thesis: platonic love is just as valid and meaningful as romantic love.
Ben’s Journey: The Decision to Choose Independence
Character development for Ben reveals that he transforms from being a pushover to a person who respects his needs. The point of turning in his life comes when he decides to go study abroad in Copenhagen. He finds it difficult to leave Jamie, but on the other hand, he fears hurting Claire. By going, he learns how to face his codependency and put himself first.
This transformation brings out the feeling in the eyes of the audience as well because it brings relevance to the theme of self-growth. The choice made by Ben shows that a true platonic or romantic relationship thrives when the people are emotionally sound.
Jamie’s journey is learning to trust people and new experiences. She has always been cynical and guardedly avoided emotional connections. The turning point for Jamie is an encounter with an old friend, Megan, who changes her outlook. Megan’s apology for bullying Jamie as a child, coupled with Ben’s criticism of her distrustful nature, turns Jamie around.
Through her membership in the Kappa sorority and participating in their dance marathon she makes a giant leap into vulnerability and optimism. Her open nature to people is growing in character.
The Breakup Hijinks
The main plot concerns Jamie and Ben trying to break up with their respective girlfriends. Their escapade takes them across their hometown of Ohio, where hilariously chaotic situations can ensue. They finally make it through a “Drunksgiving” party, and it doesn’t go any easier than that.
Claire accuses Jamie and Ben of being too codependent; it is an observation that makes them reflect on their dynamic. Although their execution is not tactful, their decision to get out of unsatisfying relationships feels necessary.
Finding Community in Palmer’s Subplot
There is another subplot about Palmer who divulges that he is gay. It has many aspects showing that it is not at all times the big city thing to have their respective groups of LGBTQ+s, but this is prevalent anywhere. His storyline makes this movie somewhat worthwhile.
Conclusion
The ending of Sweethearts is a celebration of friendship and self-discovery. The decision of Jamie and Ben to remain friends challenges the idea that every close male-female bond must turn romantic. Their decision affirms that love comes in many forms, all of which are equally valid.
This refreshing take on modern relationships elevates Sweethearts from a typical rom-com to a thoughtful exploration of human connection. Viewers are left with a very powerful message: love is growth, trust, and respect between two people, whether platonic or romantic.
