Writing a Sweet Tooth review at any time would probably be an odd moment, but following a real-world pandemic makes it feel a bit too close to home at times.
Set in a world where a plague has ravaged the human population, a young boy inspires others to find their humanity once again. Even if that boy happens to have deer antlers and ears.
Based on a Vertigo comic of the same name, Sweet Tooth occupies a fully realized world that, perhaps, rings a bit too close to our own at times. Once a plague broke out across the planet, an odd coincidence sees the birth of hybrid children with a mixture of human and various animal breeds.
Key amongst this new species is a young boy named Gus (Christian Convery). He spends the first ten years or so of his life living with his father (Will Forte) hidden away in a section of Yellowstone National Park. As is want to happen within these post-apoplectic tales, Gus eventually finds himself on his own, and he decides to set off on a journey to meet a mother he has never known.
The strengths and weaknesses
Sweet Tooth occupies a world that feels full and realized, and that’s a positive. Too often, stories that fall into the “YA” category go overboard with nonsensical terms that you can tell were constructed purely to feel different. Certainly, this series has some terminologies of its own- the disease is called “the sick” – but it never beats you over the head with them.
The high point of the season, however, is the acting. Nearly everyone turns in a stellar performance, most of all, Convery in the title role. Just 11-years-old and he is already turning in some stellar acting choices. Forte, best known for his comedy, fills the father role with such concern and compassion that we can’t wait to see other drama roles he may choose to tackle in the future.
His eventual protector, Tommy “Big Man” Jepperd is played by Nonso Anozie. And his rapport with Convery is just that right chemistry that can’t be faked. Even if it means walking through a world full of “the sick,” you want to go on a road trip with the pair.
The cherry on top of the journey would also have to be the overall look of the series. From lighting to general landscapes, Sweet Tooth has a unique look that gives it an almost surrealist quality at times.
But with the good also comes the not-so-good. Perhaps it’s too many years of consuming dystopian future media, but nothing really surprises in the story. The outcome of nearly every decision is not surprising in any way. And as someone who has not read the comic series, it’s not from a source material perspective. Everything feels very familiar, with nothing surprising or shocking you.
Sweet Tooth review – It’s worth the journey
But even with the familiarity, it still feels like a worthy expenditure of your time. Despite having a clue of where the story is heading, I’m anxious to hear of renewal for a season 2 so that I can get back on the road with Gus and Big Man.
Disclaimer: Netflix provided Batman-News with all eight episodes of Sweet Tooth season 1. We watched them to completion before beginning this review.
