Kate Hallett on Playing an Obsessed Superfan in Emma Higgins' SWEETNESS

By Shannon McGrew

In Emma Higgins's feature film SWEETNESS, when superfan Rylee (Kate Hallett) learns that Payton (Herman Tømmeraas), her rock-star idol, is spiraling into addiction, she makes it her mission to save him, whether he wants her help or not. But when her desperate plan spirals out of control, she kidnaps him in a delusional attempt to “fix” him. What begins as compassion turns into captivity, as she locks him away in the name of love. 

For the release of SWEETNESS, Creepy Kingdom’s Shannon McGrew spoke with actor Kate Hallett about her role as Rylee Hill. During their chat, they discussed everything from connecting with Rylee's emotional isolation to exploring the fine line between empathy and obsession.

Thanks for speaking with me today, Kate. When you first read the script and learned about Rylee, what was it about her that made you feel connected to the story?

Kate Hallett: I’ve had my own experiences with mental health, so that was definitely a stepping stone for me when I was doing prep. I was more of the quiet kid in high school, feeling a little bit on the outside. I think that was definitely where it started. Then it grew as I got to know her a little bit more. 

Rylee feels like she already knows Payton before ever meeting him. I think a lot of us can relate to that kind of connection to a celebrity, especially when we’re young. How did you tap into that part of her experience to get into the character’s headspace?

Kate Hallett: I had a few fandoms growing up. I was super into Taylor Swift. The intensity of the feelings that you get, especially with music, because it can be so evocative are really where I connected with it. Feeling connected and seen with music is where I really felt her. 

There’s a painful moment when Rylee realizes that Payton isn’t who she imagined. How was it working with Herman to build out that relationship? 

Kate Hallett: Herman was wonderful, just about everything. When you meet him, he is exactly as you would expect him to be. He’s absolutely wonderful. He was so open from the very beginning about being supportive of each other in scenes, and we spoke a lot about what we both needed and wanted to feel supported, and doing work outside of being on set. He was a dream to work with on something like this. 

Rylee’s actions are driven by empathy, obsession, and fantasy. How was working with director Emma Higgins to bring Rylee to life?

Kate Hallett: I had the time of my life. It’s really so special to get to work with her because she’s so specific in her vision, especially with this project, and it’s so easy to build around that. She’s also so collaborative when you bring in something new from your life experience. It was such a great environment to work in with her. I felt so supported by her and her faith in me, and I’m just so thankful that I have her in my life now. 

Ultimately, what do you think the film is saying about young fans who feel genuinely connected to the artists that they love?

Kate Hallett: I think it’s so tough because I don’t want to say that people shouldn’t feel connected to artists, because I think that’s a big reason for making art is connection. I just think that it’s important to realize that you’re not necessarily best friends with them. You don’t know them in real life, and I think that can cause problems with safety, obviously, as the film demonstrates. It’s important to have boundaries. That’s something that we all have to eventually learn along the way. 

SWEETNESS is now available On Digital and Demand.