Ever imagine what it would look like if the characters from Friday the 13th, John Wick, and The Hangover collided in a zany comedy? Well imagine no more as Kazakhstan film Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It, has created just that. Dastan needs to escape from his high-maintenance, overbearing, and heavily pregnant wife. In need of some space, he escapes on a fishing trip with his two buddies, Murat and Arman. At the same time, a group of thugs are also travelling to the same spot. Upon arriving, the trio witness something they shouldn’t, but it isn’t the criminal gang that they need to be wary of as there is someone, or something else, lurking nearby with a thirst for a bodycount.
From the very start there is a strong vein of comedy and farce that pulsates throughout. Our three friends fit the bill of stereotypes from every American buddy comedy in history. We have the straight and serious guy, the idiot, and the brash and reckless one. Their familiarity means that they are an easy group to get on board with, which is vital as we travel with them through this strange nightmare. They’re a silly group of friends and they bring the laughs whether it be through their easy banter with one another or their reaction to the situation that is around them. The absolute standout sequence involves Murat and Arman hiding in the house of the maniac. There are very few options and Murat has to hide in plain sight, sneaking around behind the back of the killer. It’s an old style comedy gag but one that is constructed and played beautifully here. If you’re not in a flood of laughter induced tears by the end of this sequence, you might want to check yourself for a pulse.
It isn’t all just silliness though, there are still some moments of emotion, and plenty of more serious and intense gore. The score acts as a barometer for the tone, the music ranging from urban hip hop, to John Wick style synths and bass, to whimsical and upbeat, ending on an end credits song that sounds like it belongs on a Pet Shop Boys album. Using the music this way ensures that the viewer doesn’t get lost amongst the ever changing tone and style, and it dictates the silliness in an insidious fashion.
Bringing both the Jason Voorhees and John Wick elements to the table is our silent one-eyed maniac. He has a soft-affection for animal kind, but that is where his humanity stops. He is on a mission for vengeance and our core three get caught up in a simple case of mistaken identity. The character is a great spin on the slasher killer, he’s silent and violent, but doesn’t need or care about a mask to hide his identity. A one man mean machine, there are plenty of inventive kills and injuries on display, woven in around the funny elements, ensuring that Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It is gory as well as gleeful.
Seriously silly, but with enough restraint to also include some sickening frights, Sweetie, You Won’t Believe is a high-spirited juggernaut of nasty fun.
Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It
Summary
A delightfully fresh and fun film that isn’t afraid to get a little gory as it spins together the best of Friday the 13th and The Hangover to create an unforgettable movie experience.
Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It was reviewed at Arrow Video FrightFest 2021. Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It will be released in 2022.
