Mike Leigh’s latest film, Hard Truths, is a deeply sober and compassionate drama about a black British family dealing with depression and anger. The lead character, Pansy, played by the formidable Marianne Jean-Baptiste, is in the terrifying endgame of depression, lashing out at everyone around her. Her nonstop rage has reduced her husband and son to a long-term stricken silence. The film contrasts Pansy’s misery with the happiness of her sister and her family, showing the mysterious connection between their opposite states of being.
Director Leigh takes a deliberate storytelling choice to withhold the cathartic release that audiences may be longing for, leading to unresolved confusion and a lack of final reckoning. The film’s hard truths are seen in the day-to-day struggles of the characters, portrayed against the backdrop of melancholy scenes shot in cold, clear London daylight. While the film lacks a grand climactic moment, it offers moments of happiness and truth that characters must hold onto in their messy, painful lives.
Hard Truths reunites Leigh with his powerful female lead, Jean-Baptiste, from their collaboration in the 1996 film Secrets and Lies. The film offers a stark portrayal of depression and anger, highlighting the challenges of seeking help and finding resolution in the midst of personal turmoil. With a compelling performance from Jean-Baptiste, Hard Truths presents a poignant reflection on the complexities of family dynamics and emotional struggles.
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