Spoonful of Sugar Review

 

Summary and Review of a Spoonful of Sugar

Rebecca: Kat Foster Jacob: Myko Olivier Millicent: Morgan Saylor Johnny: Danillo Crovetti Dr Welsh: Keith Powell Director: Mercedes Bryce Morgan Writer: Leah Saint Marie Release: 2022

“A Spoonful of Sugar” is something of a roller-coaster ride in that it will have you feeling either queasy or exhilarated by the end. Also like a roller coaster, it's not to everyone's taste but it is a strangely compelling mix of dysfunctional family dynamics and sinister intentions.

The film kicks off with Millicent (Morgan Saylor) undergoing an interview for an unusual babysitting job with Rebecca (Kat Foster) and her husband, Jacob (Myko Olivier). The charge is their young son, Johnny (Danillo Crovetti), who suffers from a range of allergies and is also non-verbal. There are hints that more specialist intervention is required for Johnny but Rebecca is adamant that he can be treated at home.

Rebecca's career as a successful author means frequent trips away so she needs to arrange Johnny's care quickly. Despite Rebecca's doubts about her experience and a lack of background checks, Millicent is offered the job as she forms an instant rapport with Johnny, and this is enough to convince Rebecca.

It quickly becomes clear that Rebecca and Jacob have a strained relationship, in part due to the stresses of Johnny's condition, although there is a high level of sexual attraction between them which adds an unexpected layer of frisson to the proceedings. Millicent, as it turns out, has troubles of her own and we learn that her past experiences have left her emotionally scarred. She is under the care of therapist Dr Welsh (Keith Powell) who, bafflingly, prescribes LSD to treat her mental health issues. She has developed something of a saviour complex and feels she has a rightful place in the family to do the best for Johnny, and do it better than anyone else. And so begins the mother (literally) of all battles as Millicent and Rebecca fight for supremacy.

The cast ably drive the storyline, delivering convincing performances that cause conflicting feelings in the viewer and loyalties to switch as events develop. The relationship between Rebecca and Jacob could have benefited from a stronger backstory to provide more context for their current situation. Nevertheless, the actors handle the material well, building a narrative that keeps the viewer intrigued if not entirely riveted.

"A Spoonful of Sugar" is visually arresting with lighting effects that present it as a modern gothic fairy tale. The stylish aesthetics pull the viewer into an otherworldliness where time and place are uncertain, giving a vague sense of disorientation as the story unfolds. Millicent’s over-use of LSD provides the opportunity for some trippy, psychedelic scenes that feel a tad unnecessary but avoid becoming overblown and pad out the narrative well enough.

Don't expect a jump-scare filled supernatural experience. The horror in this production is firmly rooted in family dynamics and presents numerous thought-provoking themes, such as motherhood, power and abuse which affects the narrative's fluidity to some extent. Millicent's meddling leads to hostility and violence, ultimately resulting in an explosive finale, which prevents it from becoming just another family psycho drama.

When all is said and done, this is definitely worth a watch for its entertainment value and solid execution. It’s sassy, sexy and a little bit bonkers, with the added bonus of a nice twist at the end. So, hop on the roller-coaster and brace yourself for the twists and turns of a tale that is never quite what it seems.

3.5/5