Zachary Reed & Joseph Frank's Sweaty Betty is the type of film that isn't going to appeal to most viewers due to its tepid pacing and slice-of-life style, but for those willing to give the film a chance, Sweaty Betty is an impressive first-feature documentary which only hints at the potential of these documentary filmmakers. Featuring two interweaving narratives, Sweaty Betty takes place in the neighborhoods of Maryland on the outskirts of Washington D.C, where in cramped row houses we follow two stories of impoverished citizens with big dreams. One of the stories is centered around Floyd, a 30-something man, who along with his family has raised a 1,000 pound hog named Charlotte in their backyard. Determined to turn the animal into the official team mascot of the Washington Redskins, Floyd and his family have taken care of the animal for years, bringing it to tailgates on gameday where it has become a staple in the Washington D.C. community. Living only a few blocks away, the other story of Sweaty Beatty is centered around Rico and Scooby, two teenage single fathers who spend their days scheming of a better life for themselves and their families. Sweaty Betty is an observational study of a way of life, being unquestionably amateurish in look and feel while simultaneously capable of crafting an oddly compelling story of that is engaging and unique. This is a film that feels very objective, simply interested in capturing the world which its characters inhabit in a wholly genuine way. Both these stories are centered around characters who have embraced the hustle, with both Floyd and his family, as well as Scooby and Rico, intent on making money and providing for those around them. These characters never make excuses for their lower economic status, with nearly every character showing an unbridled sense of optimism at their potential for reaching financial success. One thing I really appreciated about Sweaty Betty is that it never shows interest in emotionally manipulating the viewer or creating an inorganic sense of sentiment. This is a film that is unapologetic in presenting the world which these characters inhabit, understanding that life isn't easy but also expressing that it could always be worse. With teenage single-father Scooby lamenting to the camera at one point, "Life ain't easy but it ain't that hard either', Sweaty Betty gains its traction, being a film that is wholly optimistic, much like its characters, never wavering from the notion that hustle can reap the benefits of success. While this pursuit of the almighty dollar is what thematically binds these two narratives, the environment in which these character's inhabit is another major aspect, as Sweaty Betty is a film that puts a lot of stock in exhibiting the environment of its characters. It captures the world which these characters inhabit on a day-to-day basis, displaying the absurdity and oddities which make up these characters everyday lives, and through these two stories it presents one of the most unique perspectives of the American dream. Intentional or not, another interesting aspect of Sweaty Betty is the role which pets can play in providing optimism in our everyday lives, which is particularly showcased by the plight of Floyd and his hog, Charlotte. Even though Floyd's intentions are driven by potential financial incentive, Charlotte provides a sense of community for Floyd and his family, as they form a connection with this animal. Perhaps the most emotionally poignant point comes at the end of the film, when Charlotte is taken away from Floyd and his family by animal control, with the film capturing the sorrow felt by Floyd and his family, who themselves have grown an attachment to Charlotte, even if their intentions were financially fueled originally. The poetic contrast to this comes from Scooby and Rico's newfound relationship with a young pitbull which they intend on selling. These characters show a steadfast demeanor in unloading the young dog for financial gains from the very beginning, but given the other narrative' tragic trajectory, one can't help notice their growing emotional attachment to the young dog even though they eventually sell it. Featuring an observational approach, Zachary Reed & Joseph Frank's Sweaty Betty is a fascinating oddity which transports the viewer into the impoverished community on the outskirts of Washington D.C, offering up poignant insights into two unique stories, each of which is driven by optimism.
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June 2023
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