“Sweetland” is based on Michael Crummey’s novel of the same name. The Fisheries Household Resettlement Programme administered by the Canadian federal government and Newfoundland provincial government offered somewhat meagre payments for inhabitants of remote outports to relocate to “economic centres of development”. Did economic theory destroy and mutilate the fabric of historic Newfoundland?
To receive the governmental package up to 80-90% of household’s approval in a community was needed (depending on what year). In a remote outport Moses Sweetland (Mark Lewis Jones) is a holdout refusing to accept the package drawing the ire and abuse of fellow residents. The film is the story of Sweetland’s battle to remain in the outport. It is also the story of the dismantling a vital historical part of Newfoundland, the cod fisheries or perhaps more accurately their decline due to overfishing.
Tied into this fascinating struggle is the relationship of Sweetland to his community particularly his autistic nephew Jesse who can only receive the medical care he requires in St John’s, the capital of Newfoundland. Moses is of the view Jesse needs a lot of fresh air and the life that the outport community can offer not what the quacks in St. John’s advise.
Mark Lewis Jones offers a brilliant performance but the real star of momentous performance is Newfoundland’s rugged if not savage beauty.
In the struggle between man and his fellow man and well meaning but ignorant governments expect tragedy, deception, intimidation and creative defiance. The original music by Andrew Staniland simply could have not been more suitable adding a haunting and reflective element to the film.
“Sweetland” will have a Canadian theatrical release on 3May2024. Will the film receive the international recognition it deserves? An outstanding film not merely an outstanding Canadian film.
Written and directed by Christian Sparkes.
RKS 2024 Film Rating 92.
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