Sweet Things
21-Dec-2017
Anne gathers herself for a job interview, a casual one at a coffee shop, but still a job interview. When her potential new employer arrives, a smooth, well-dressed man named Georg, giving off all the social cues of a first date, she’s caught off-guard and scrambles to react. Brilliantly observed and pointing to a subtle but powerful form of subjugation, this short film from Henry K. Norvalls may take place in Norway, but it couldn’t be more relevant in America as well. On a power play from the jump, “why do you wanna work for me?” Georg asks, as if simply to flatter himself for being in a position to hire, especially a beautiful young woman. He dismisses her attempt at professionalism when she gives a formal answer. Then he asks her if she’s on a diet. Her stares at an another woman. All this with an off-the-cuff cockiness he probably views as confidence. Anne is sent backpedaling, desperate to find a separation between the intimacy he's projecting and the workplace decorum she’s prepared for. It happens fast and may seem harmless but these power dynamics don’t go away easily once they’re established and they have a tendency to expand. "Sweet Things" is a vital piece of art that speaks volumes about gender roles in our society and it’s one of the short films of the year. Director: Henry K. Norvalls. Screenwriter: Line Dalheim. Cast: Renate Reinsve, Preben Hodneland.