by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
Mercedes Bryce Morgan directs Spoonful of Sugar, a hallucinogenic nightmare! A young woman and college student, Millicent (Morgan Saylor), takes a semester off to focus on her thesis examining children with extreme allergies. She works as a babysitter for Johnny (Danilo Crovetti), who has every allergy, is mute, and wears a spacesuit. Johnny’s mother Rebecca (Kat Foster) is a successful author, and is nervous about trusting Millicent, but she hires her anyway. Rebecca stresses that Millicent has to follow the strict directions for Johnny’s care or he could die. Meanwhile, Johnny’s father Jacob (Myko Olivier), who is shirtless and sweaty working on all the woodwork in the backyard, happens to catch the attention of Millicent.
This film is not your average Mary Poppins, as Millicent is the kind of caretaker who takes LSD droplets. Since no one keeps an eye on her while she is taking the drug, she overdoses. The best part of the film is the casting of Millicent — she’s a rather odd and unhinged character, and Saylor does a great job in an absolutely committed performance. Her character seems all sweet and innocent, yet her intentions are crazy, and she proves to be a very disturbing person. I wouldn’t want her as a babysitter! She’s the only character who truly evolves, and is also the most complex. Audiences will not be able to see what her next move could be, as she is unpredictable.
Johnny and Millicent do connect and bond together. Besides drawing, one of their activities is digging up the dead rabbits Johnny has in his garden. Both characters have their quirks, but they’re able to connect. Crovetti also does a great job by being silent most of the time. Johnny’s allergies are severe — the child is allergic to nickel, the sun, and even artificial fabric. I’m just surprised Johnny’s parents never considered keeping him in a bubble.
Each character is nuttier than the last, and there isn’t anyone to exactly root for. Even Johnny feels impossible to root for; he’s the weird and creepy kid who comes of as a little bratty and definitely stereotyped. To be honest, as the film concludes, all the characters are disturbing.
The film does deliver the suspense factor that is needed, which deserves some credit. As the tension raises when Millicent and Jacob get together, the film explores the relationship of sex and violence. Jacob doesn’t mind the fact they are intimate. Eventually, as the film continues once Millicent and Johnny become close, Millicent definitely feels a sense of family, given the fact her character has been abused in the past.
Morgan is known for directing music videos for music producer Marshmello. As for the film itself, the style feels kind of average. Nothing feels unique or captures the audience’s attention to make a lasting impression. There could have been more creativity explored. The climax and twist are pretty impressive, making the film unpredictable. However, the film left me feeling empty, apart from Saylor’s committed performance.
Score: 6/10
Spoonful of Sugar is currently streaming on Shudder
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