Sweetpea, Starz’s highly anticipated new series, plunges into the twisted, dark comedic world of Rhiannon Lewis (played by Ella Purnell).
Adapted from C.J. Skuse’s cult novel, the series explores romantic horror with an eerie, psychological twist, offering viewers something fresh for this Halloween season. Rhiannon, a woman who is frequently overlooked in life, is constantly passed over for promotions at her dead-end job, where her dreams of becoming a reporter are laughed at by her colleagues. She struggles to make meaningful connections, the guy she likes won’t commit, and on top of it all, her father is gravely ill. Life seems to be crashing down around her—until one final breaking point unleashes a darker side of Rhiannon that no one, not even she, saw coming.
Though she starts as a wallflower, Rhiannon’s transformation is gripping. After being pushed to the edge, she discovers a newfound sense of power—one fueled by violence, sarcasm, and dark wit. The show follows her descent as she becomes capable of truly horrifying acts, making her both terrifying and oddly sympathetic. Purnell delivers a standout performance, capturing both the vulnerability and the madness in Rhiannon’s transformation. She brings nuance to a character that could have easily become a one-dimensional serial killer, instead making Rhiannon relatable, even as she spirals out of control.
One of the highlights of Sweetpea is its unique blend of horror and romance. Rhiannon’s violent outbursts are intertwined with her newfound thrill of power, creating an intense emotional backdrop that makes the horror feel deeply personal. It’s rare to see a show that manages to balance both genres so effectively, and this makes Sweetpea stand out, especially at a time of year when horror content is flooding the market. The timing of the release couldn’t be better; it’s a refreshing addition to the Halloween lineup, offering viewers something more psychological and character-driven than the usual jump-scares.
That being said, there are some pacing issues throughout the six-part series. While the violence and murders are a central part of the plot, there are moments where the focus on gore overshadows the deeper, more psychological elements of the story. At times, the narrative seems to stall as the show lingers too long on Rhiannon’s bloody rampages, which can detract from the character development and emotional stakes. It would have been great to see a more balanced approach that let the horror unfold more gradually.
Additionally, at only six episodes, Sweetpea feels like it could have benefited from a longer run to flesh out some of the plot points. With more episodes, the show could have delved deeper into Rhiannon’s relationships and the emotional journey behind her transformation, creating a richer narrative arc.
Another element that could have been explored more thoroughly is Rhiannon’s work life. The novel emphasizes how her job, where no one believes in her aspirations to be a reporter, plays a key role in her feelings of invisibility and frustration. This backdrop of professional dissatisfaction could have been more fully developed in the series, adding even more depth to Rhiannon’s motivation and eventual breakdown.
Despite these minor criticisms, Sweetpea still delivers a compelling and entertaining watch. The show’s eerie atmosphere, combined with the sharp writing and strong performances, makes it easy to get sucked into Rhiannon’s chaotic world. The supporting cast also deserves praise, as they help build the tense and often unsettling environment that keeps viewers on edge.
Overall, Sweetpea is a chilling, thrilling ride that offers a fresh take on horror during the Halloween season. While it has a few rough edges in terms of pacing and plot development, it makes up for it with strong performances, especially from Purnell, and its unique romantic-horror blend. For fans of psychological thrillers, it’s well worth checking out—just be prepared for a few moments that might make you look away.
