If you're hunting for a gripping thriller that's flown under the radar, look no further than Sweetpea, now streaming on Starz. This six-episode gem, created by Kirstie Swain and based on CJ Skuse's novel, is a razor-sharp blend of dark humor and psychological tension. With Season 2 slated for November, there's no better time to dive into this twisted tale of trauma and revenge.
The series centers on Rhiannon Lewis, played with remarkable depth by Ella Purnell. Rhiannon is a woman who has spent her life feeling invisible—overlooked at work, dismissed by her sister, and haunted by the cruel bullying she endured in high school. When her father dies and her sister decides to sell their childhood home, Rhiannon's fragile grip on sanity finally snaps. What follows is a chilling descent into murder, but with a satirical twist that makes you almost understand her rage.
Purnell, known for her role as Lucy MacLean in Fallout, showcases her incredible range here. Lucy is a fundamentally good person trying to survive; Rhiannon is something else entirely—a woman fueled by bitter resentment and a thirst for vengeance. Purnell transforms her from a mousy office worker into a terrifying antihero, making you root for her even as she crosses lines that can't be uncrossed. It's a performance that cements her as one of the most versatile actresses working today.
What sets Sweetpea apart is its clever subversion of genre tropes. The show forces you to question your own morality as you watch Rhiannon's actions unfold. You understand why she snaps, even if you can't condone what she does. The series also plays with perspective, especially in an episode that shifts focus to Leah Harvey's character, Marina Farrar, a junior detective who becomes suspicious of Rhiannon. Leah's voice-over reveals that she and Rhiannon aren't so different, creating a fascinating cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps you guessing.
The supporting cast adds layers to Rhiannon's world. Her relationship with Julia Blenkingsopp (Nicôle Lecky), her former bully turned real estate agent, is particularly compelling. Their dynamic evolves from victim and tormentor to something far more complicated, blurring the lines between who's really in control. Meanwhile, Rhiannon's romantic entanglements—with the easily swayed Craig (Jon Pointing) and the seemingly perfect coworker AJ (Calam Lynch)—add further complications to her already chaotic life.
With only six brisk episodes, Sweetpea delivers everything you want from a thriller: suspense, dark humor, and a protagonist you can't quite look away from. It's a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your watchlist, especially if you're a fan of dark character studies like Thoroughbreds. And if you're looking for more revenge-driven narratives, check out our ranking of the ultimate revenge novels.
So before the new season drops, catch up on Sweetpea and see why it's one of the most talked-about thrillers on streaming. You won't regret it—though you might think twice about crossing anyone who's had a bad day.
