Film Review - True Things
Images courtesy of Kismet Films.
What happens when desperation meets charisma? About ninety minutes of discomfort as you get to see one half of the equation thrive while the other suffers.
I would say that the suffering is what gives True Things its ‘psychological drama’ moniker, and it’s not exactly cut from the same cloth as Se7en before you start to assume anything. Have you ever been in a bad relationship? Either you were the menace, draped in red flags, or you were the low self-esteem, mid-30’s single pringle who’s been in the game too long and now your family is starting to look at you funny.
The depressive phases of True Things take advantage of what until now I’d never considered a possible driver for a feature length movie: out of focus shots, and so many of them that an audience member could start to question whether they need a set of prescription specs. It’s overused, naturally, but it delivered a sense of disassociation that’s for sure. The lights glaring, the vision flaring, and the whole world shaking made for a severely unpleasant boogie on the dance floor, and it didn’t make for a much better drunk-drive, or adultery on the beach. This protagonist, Kate, is an easily distracted young lady, that’s for sure.
Mixing all of that in with a surprisingly refreshing coming of age story, True Things didn’t outstay its welcome, although it could’ve done with a twist or two. The broad strokes of the narrative follow a particular formula I’ve seen elsewhere, but the finer details of its delivery offer enough of a unique shine to throw viewers off-balance for long enough for the predictability to go momentarily cold.
My only complaint is that I believe, and I’ve had this suspicion for a while now, perhaps the term ‘psychological’ is thrown around a little too loosey-goosey lately. Yes, gaslighting is a psychologically abusive pathway for anyone to travel down, but True Things was the straw on this thirsty camel’s back. A frustrating relationship sure is anxiety-inducing as both parties betray their own best interests in a disorienting display of affection, I just can’t deny that I’m holding a grudge against this drama. I feel as misled as a job recruitment agent being seduced by a freshly released convict, and almost as dirty too.
True Things is screening in cinemas from Thursday, September 1st. For tickets and more info, click here.