the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, step away from the usual family Holiday drama and football games, and explore the familiar streets of New Jersey in the holiday rom-com Sweethearts, streaming exclusively on Max starting Thanksgiving Day.
A Hometown Holiday Breakup Story
Sweethearts stars Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) and Nico Hiraga (Booksmart, Goodrich) as college freshmen Jamie and Ben. The film follows their Thanksgiving break mission: to break up with their high school sweethearts.
The movie’s heartfelt humor and small-town nostalgia are captured against the backdrop of 11 picturesque New Jersey locations, offering viewers a chance to spot their own hometowns on the big screen.
Hollywood Meets the Garden State
Directed by Jordan Weiss (Dollface), in her feature film debut, and co-written with Dan Brier (Heathers), the production reportedly invested over $19 million filming across New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.
Joining Shipka and Hiraga are an impressive cast, including:
- Caleb Hearon (comedian)
- Tramell Tillman (Severance)
- Charlie Hall (Bel-Air)
- Joel Kim Booster (Fire Island)
- Christine Taylor (Search Party)
- Jersey-connected stars Jake Bongiovi, son of Jon Bon Jovi, and Chloe Troast, an SNL alum from Ho-Ho-Kus
Jersey’s Starring Role
Sweethearts filmed in 2022 across six counties in towns including:
- Bergen County: Mahwah, Lyndhurst, Elmwood Park, and Demarest
- Union County: Cranford
- Morris County: Kinnelon
- Passaic County: Clifton and Paterson
- Essex County: Newark and West Orange
- Middlesex County: Edison
Iconic spots include Duffy’s Tavern in Paterson, Ramapo College in Mahwah, and the Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst, among others.
Stream Sweethearts This Thanksgiving
Rated R, Sweethearts promises a mix of laughs, love, and a touch of nostalgia that pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie. Whether you’re reliving your hometown memories or enjoying a fresh cinematic adventure, this film is a must-watch for New Jersey locals and rom-com lovers alike.
Don’t miss Sweethearts—now streaming on Max!
Where will you recognize New Jersey in the film? Let us know in the comments!
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