"The Sweetening" is somewhat reminiscent of the 80's Twilight Zone episode "Dreams for Sale," except more disturbing now that the basic premise is within the realm of possibility. Grace Rowe does triple duty as the writer, director, and lead actor in this story about a woman who signs up to test an Artificial Intelligence program in an attempt to get a temporary reprieve from her unsatisfying life. Rowe's portrayal of her character's misery is heartbreakingly accurate, particularly in the interactions with her husband and young children. My only criticism is that the plot feels a little too emotionally reserved, though that may be a blessing in disguise because the film's real-life implications are actually quite depressing.
