“True Things” is a BritGrit film about an obsession or perhaps the extreme desperation of a woman seeking a relationship encompassing both sex and love. It is also a study of a cad and a lout exploiting that obsession and desperation.
Kate Perkin is a thirty something clerk processing claims of some sort in a gritty British costal town. She is lonely and hungry for a relationship and has fantasies about hot steamy romance on tropical beaches. Kate is having performance issues at work perhaps caused by her lonely existence.
Sam is one of Kate’s “clients” she meets processing his claim. Within minutes there is sex in the parking garage.
Kate interprets this as the beginning of the relationship she so desperately needs. Sam is interested in the sex and refuses “being boxed in” by a relationship.
As a viewer be prepared for Kate’s wretched descent into hell. Is it delusional or willful blindness or both? As Kate struggles with her willing exploitation it is sex, drugs and booze that sent her hurtling downwards getting terminated from her employment and trash talking friends and family for trying to help. Sam disrespects authority and by the way is recently released from prison. A certified nasty cad and you’ll be wringing your hands in despair with his treatment of Kate.
I won’t detail Sam’s caddishness but there is plenty of it which may invoke your anger, pity, compassion or perhaps disdain for Kate’s vulnerability. Whatever emotion(s) you have the film effectively plays on them. It makes no judgment and leaves that to the viewer.
The film concludes in Malaga in Spain a haven for ill behaved Brits. You might ask has Sam finally reformed? Is this situation finally concluding so you’ll “stand up and cheer” in the aisles!
Of course, I can’t tell you how this most depressing scenario ends but I can give you a hint. The hint is look for the smile and the shining eyes. Look for the liberation! Look for the note! Are we looking at a Harlequin Romance ending? Is this a “Sid and Nancy” story? Look at the smile and you’ll have your answer.
Ruth Wilson as Kate and Tom Burke as Sam and the cinematography are authentic and compelling BritGrit.
“True Things” is really a gut-wrenching fine piece of BritGrit. It is directed by Harry Wootlliff. It is available on VOD, Apple, Google Play and the Cineplex Store.
You can see the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoh91HFx1Hw
RKS Film Rating 90/100.
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