Netflix Sweet Tooth: 6 Things to Know

The new eight-part fantasy series Sweet Tooth launches on Netflix on Friday 4 June. It follows lead character Gus, a child born part-human and part-animal, hence the antlers.

The show is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where hybrid children evolve after a mysterious global virus. It is adapted from Jeff Lemire’s comic book series, and is co-produced by Robert Downey Jr.

Although a crazy premise, the show is sure to become a must-see favourite, if early reactions are anything to go by.

1. It is a strange concept

The main character, played by 11 year old Christian Convery, is Gus, a boy from a generation of human and animal hybrids. Gus is part deer and has antlers. But other characters are born with different animal features, such as wings, fur or beaks.

Gus has lived an isolated life brought up in the woods by his dad, and never seen another human before. He is very curious, innocent, hopeful, positive, and always looking for the best in every situation.

Hybrids emerged following a deadly virus sweeping the world. It is unknown what caused the virus. It is not clear whether the new species had something to do with it, or if they are just a result. For this reason, many humans are afraid of hybrids, and hunt them. To keep him safe and away from the dangers of civilisation, Gus lives in the woods with his father.

Early on in the drama, Gus is nearly captured by hunters, but is saved by a large and intimidating man, Jepperd, played by British actor Nonso Anozie. Jepperd has a dark past he is trying to escape from. He is strong and a good leader, with a tough exterior, but a heart of gold. Together they set off on a journey into the wider world.

2. It is adapted from a comic book

Sweet Tooth started as a comic book series by Canadian writer and artist Jeff Lemire.

Lemire was heavily involved in the adaptation to screen, and brought in early on in the process for discussions. He was even one of the first people to view the pilot episode. Director Jim Mickle is a big fan of the writer, and wanted him to approve of the television show. He didn’t want him watching and saying “I don’t get it”. Over the years working together to produce the series, the two have gained mutual rust and respect for each other.

The makers of the show tried to capture the richness of the comic books visually, and in terms of characters. They attempted to bring it to the screen with imaginative dream sequences and an iconic wardrobe.

3. Team Downey is behind it

Team Downey, the production company set up by actor Robert Downey Jr and his wife Susan, is responsible for developing the television adaptation of Sweet Tooth.

The company thus far has a mixed bag of production credits. On one hand they produced Golden Globe nominated show Perry Mason. But they are also behind the critically panned film remake Dolittle.

It was noted by many fans that the Iron Man actor has moved over from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to its rival, DC Comics. However, Susan Downey explains that Sweet Tooth was a Vertigo title when they first got involved in the project. It later got absorbed entirely by DC. She hadn’t really though about it until people started pointing it out, and making a big deal of it. She is just happy to be able to contribute to both universes to provide great storytelling and characters for people to appreciate.

4. The critics are mostly positive

Sweet Tooth is described as a “children’s fable fit for grown-ups,” by Ian Freer at Empire. He says, “It’s not startlingly original but is buoyed by affecting chemistry between Convery and Anozie”.

The Radio Times’ Huw Fullerton gives the show four stars. He says that although the show drags at times, and some storylines aren’t as interesting as others, once it gets going it is “compelling”. In his view, Gus is a “winning (if sometimes slightly too precocious) protagonist”.

Germain Lussier of Gizmodo claim “Sweet Tooth is the new show to fall head over heels for”. He believes it has something for everyone, and has great potential.

The AV Club’s Alex McLevy says there is “a lot to like about this shaggy dog of a road-trip series”. However, there are parallels with the current coronavirus pandemic which often make it less enjoyable. Although the plague-driven paranoia makes up only about a third of the story, it makes it hard for people wanting an escape from what is going on in the real world.

5. It was filmed in New Zealand

Filming of the first episode took place over a year before the rest of the show, as the pilot was originally ordered by TV network Hulu. Netflix later picked up the full series. The biggest worry with the time difference between filming was that the young actor would have grown in that time. Thankfully, it is not too noticeable on screen if Convery looks older.

The first episode was shot in New Zealand, and everybody fell in love with it, so filming for the rest of the series continued there. The country had everything they needed.

There were high levels of Covid security on set, with health authorities in New Zealand doing a great job of keeping everyone safe. Strict guidelines were followed, and bubbles created, but it didn’t get in the way of telling the story.

6. The tone changed for the TV show

Fans of the graphic novel will see a big difference to the screen adaptation. The comic books have a very dark tone, but the TV show looks more family friendly. This was a deliberate change to help make the show more accessible to everyone.

The production team wanted to maintain Lemire’s themes from his writing, but wanted to make sure it was presented in a way that everyone could view. They wanted to move away from the traditional dark, grey post-apocalyptic images to provide a more enjoyable place. Susan explains, “we found there was a perfect match of something you’ve never seen before and an incredible message behind it, in this beautiful landscape, and the challenge of that was super-appealing to us”.

Sweet Tooth is available to view now on Netflix.

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