HARD TRUTHS
In HARD TRUTHS, which is set in London, Pansy is a middle-aged wife and mother who is so unhappy, angry, and depressed that she makes the lives of anyone she meets miserable. She doesn’t have a kind word for anyone. She is afraid to go into her back garden and animals, and she never touches plants or flowers for fear of bugs. Her younger sister Chantelle is completely different. She is a hairdresser who loves people and to laugh and have fun with her customers and family. She loves Pansy but does not understand her. No one does, including Pansy herself.
Pansy’s son, Moses, is pretty much a recluse. He lives in his room reading books and playing video games about airplanes. He is constantly wearing headphones, probably to block out Pansy’s ranting. Occasionally he will go for walks to get away, but he doesn’t seem to have any ambition. Pansy has been married to her husband Cartley for over 22 years. He is a plumber who doesn’t seem to find peace. At home, Pansy is constantly complaining and at work, his apprentice is constantly giving historical facts about everything. Their home is a heavy cloud of depression.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste gives an award-winning performance as Pansy. While her rants may make you chuckle, she brings Pansy’s pain to the forefront and you try to understand what made her this sad and angry. Michele Austin is Pansy’s sister Chantelle. She could have played this character as somewhat resentful of Pansy for the way she treats and speaks to people but instead, she is the bright spot in the life of the film. Pansy’s husband Curtley is played by David Webber with such a quiet sense of sadness and a feeling be resigned to this is his life for better or for worse. I think he really cares for Pansy and perhaps loves her but is drained by her.
Spoiler alert: The director Mike Leigh ends the film on a cliffhanger. He wants the audience to have conversations and come to their own conclusions on what happens next.
I enjoyed the film and feel it should be seen for nothing but the outstanding performances by the actors. Some so many people are suffering from mental issues and have no idea how to break out of it or even know how their illness is affecting others.
Should you see Hard Truths? Definitely yes. I give the film 3 winks of the EYE!
Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!