Human trafficking exists in the deepest darkest crevices of the world–but, sadly, it also exists right out in the open. A young girl, Lily (Lacy Mercede), on her sixteenth birthday, will find that her relationship with her boyfriend, Frank (Jay Giannone), isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. This is supposed to be her Sweet 16, but Frank has plans for Lily–and the young girl is about to be thrown to the wolves.
Viewers will be exposed to sex trafficking, rape, and the abuse of a minor–sure, that gives some of the film away, but the reality is that these ideas and seeing them come to life on screen will be difficult for some to watch. You’ve been warned; but if you’re capable of getting through these things, Sweet 16 is important and informative.
At just over twelve minutes in length, Sweet 16 quickly gets down to business, wasting absolutely no time. The scenarios in which viewers quickly find themselves a part of are visceral, tangible, and far too real. With extreme close ups as the worst possible things occur to a sixteen-year-old girl, viewers have no choice but to be part of what’s occurring, and it’s horribly uncomfortable. Filmmakers don’t necessarily want their viewers to feel uncomfortable all of the time, because it makes it difficult for those viewers to focus. However, director Nomi G and writer Giannone seemingly aim to add a level of discomfort to each and every scene of Sweet 16. This discomfort allows viewers to better understand, even better appreciate the horrific visuals that fill their screens–ultimately making Sweet 16 more accessible, and significantly more difficult to stomach.
The entire cast of Sweet 16 is brilliant. They, too, are part of the uncomfortable narrative that drives this film home, and I can’t imagine that having to physically be part of creating this story was anywhere near easy. Giannone, Sam Fox (Mom), Brian Goodman, and everyone in between convey emotion and bring to life these horrendous acts, but the star of the show is the film’s lead–Mercede. She conveys emotion with great aplomb, and viewers can feel what she feels, and they end up in tune with Lily as a result. Mercede’s Lily is young, innocent, and far too naive to appreciate the situations in which she finds herself, but viewers are able to recognize the situation before it unfolds–and that’s as a result of the acting. There is something off about a number of the characters, and that’s on purpose. Facial expressives, changes in the tones of the characters voices, and exchanges between seemingly pointless characters play a significant role in helping to develop an understanding of the content present in Sweet 16. Each and every character does their job and helps bring this story to life.
While Sweet 16 is, for all intents and purposes, a narrative, it’s based on a true story and it’s meant to educate viewers. Sweet 16 isn’t just meant to tell a story and entertain, but to inform; it does all of these things. There is something unique about this film–it’s far more intimate than a lot of films and filmmakers are willing to get in order to touch on the harsh realities of the world in which we live. However, G and Giannone are willing to take this risk, explore these difficult territories of the real world and cinema, and express to viewers that even though some things lurk in the shadows, out of our line of sight, it’s important to remain vigilant and aware.
Sweet 16 is, again, difficult to stomach–but it’s necessary. This cast and crew isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers and dive deep into the dark depths of cinema and filmmaking in order to both entertain and advise. They are successful in their endeavors, and they truly have a lot to offer.
Directed by Nomi G.
Written by Jay Giannone
Starring Laci Mercede (as Laci Kay), Jay Giannone, Sam Fox, Brian Goodman, Slaine, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
Comments