#TIFF21: “TRUE THINGS” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

 Kate (Ruth Wilson) lives a mundane life as a Benefits claims worker. She encounters a former convict claimant (Tom Burke), whom she is seduced by into an all-consuming affair. Her world quickly unravels, finding herself obsessed with him completely. Unsure where she stands, we ride Kate‘s highs and lows waiting on his unpredictability. And through this affair, we see her really come to life as those around her discourage her from moving ahead with this mysterious stranger who can’t seem to give her stability.

Directed by Harry Wootliff, TRUE THINGS successfully captures the feeling and repercussions of lust so authentically. Wilson is a real revelation giving us pure vulnerability as a woman figuring out what she wants as she throws herself into something potentially catastrophic. And this is part of the Film’s allure, we want to see where this all leads even if it might not be clear in the end.

While the pace is languid at times, and we wish we get the clarity we desire through it all, such is life and Wootliff gives us a precise slice of it. Wilson‘s fantastic work is something that perhaps others in similar type relationships can take away and reflect on their own paths.

TRUE THINGS screens at TIFF ’21:

Tue, Sep 14 IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 12:00pm

Wed, Sep 15 DIGITAL PREMIERE SCREENING digital TIFF Bell Lightbox

Availability: Canada 9:00pm

Thu, Sep 16 N-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 9:30 am

Fri, Sep 17 DIGITAL SECOND SCREENING digital TIFF Bell Lightbox

Availability: Canada 5:00pm