Sydney Sweeney, the Emmy-nominated actress known for scene-stealing turns in series like “Euphoria” and “White Lotus,” is more than poised to break out in a big way. Next, she stars in the feature “Split Fiction.” This film is based on a beloved shooting game and has wowed viewers with its intriguing concept. It has equally impressive and diverse creative teams behind these productions and almost every other blockbuster franchise we can name (“Wicked,” “Deadpool & Wolverine”).
The movie’s fictional story follows two total strangers who, after a disastrous event, find themselves joining together to face and overcome adverse conditions to stay alive. Our first glimpses of the story indicate that it will be a deeply emotional experience for audiences, fulfilling the film’s mission to explore themes of connection, belonging and resilience. It’s expected that Sweeney will take on the character Zoe, a vital leading role that holds the biggest opportunity yet for her to flex her acting chops.
The video game that inspired “Split Fiction” has received positive reviews, though it does not boast the extensive fanbase of juggernauts like Mario, Sonic, Minecraft, Fallout, or The Last of Us. Despite this, the game’s multiplayer mode stands out, requiring two players to engage fully, which aligns with the film’s focus on the relationship between its protagonists. The new trailer for the film prominently features a split-screen. That’s a telling indication of the greater emphasis on multiplayer gameplay over a singleplayer experience.
Josef Fares needs no introduction to gamers. He could even appear in the movie as himself, which would bring an added touch of authenticity to the adaptation. The rapid greenlighting of the project only two months after the game’s release signals strong confidence from producers in both the source material and its cinematic potential.
Sweeney’s role in “Split Fiction” is the next big step in her quickly accelerating career. It clears a path for her to pursue other future opportunities. All of fandom is currently speculating about her upcoming appearances in major franchises. They’re particularly interested to hear about a potential role in an X-Men reboot and as Shanna the She-Devil. But until then, all focus will be on her breakout performance as Zoe in this inventive new venture.
Her legions of fans praise Sweeney as a role model—a paragon of the upstanding young lady—imbued with great talent. They point out that, even though Rogue is taller and more conventionally attractive, Sweeney stands out. These attributes don’t seem to help her well in realizing an emotionally resonant performance in “Split Fiction.”