Tru Confessions

Movie review by Tracey Petherick, Common Sense Media
Tru Confessions Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Family drama veers between irritating and heart-wrenching.

NR 2002 83 minutes
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

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  • Tru Confessions Movie: Scene #1
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Tru Confessions is a made-for-TV Disney movie that tugs on the heartstrings despite a hard-to-like lead character. Tru (Clara Bryant) is a self-absorbed teen with a developmental disabled twin brother, Eddie -- brilliantly played by a young Shia LaBeouf. The overall message is positive -- that we should love one another despite our differences -- but it is diluted by Tru's stroppy attitude, contempt for her parents, and focus on self-promotion. All these conflicting emotions will be challenging for sensitive kids to handle and there are some heart-wrenching moments watching Eddie struggle to understand different situations. There is also some bullying of Eddie -- a group of kids spit in his baseball cap and he is called "retard." Although in some ways this feels like an honest portrayal of life for a family with a disabled child, it's a shame that the abiding tone is one of negativity.

Community Reviews

hihiimbarbie
hihiimbarbie Adult
July 29, 2021
age 7+

Perhaps a misunderstood gem

A lot of the reviews here are pretty recent for a nearly 20 year old film. I assume like myself its because we watched it on Disney +. Im writing this after only my 2nd watch. I was way too young when this came out. I too also believed "WOW this girl is uncomfortably annoying." To the point where her more "realistic" behavioral patterns obstructed the tone of the film. (like after she found out the results of the contest?) I say realistic because lets be honest, this is actually an accurate portrayal of what a 14 year old girl in this situation would act like. I guess we're so used to teenage girls being unreasonably upheld as role models who always know how to cope with a messy situation— even fictional ones. I say that while being the "eddie" in that situation. I guess the reason why I give the main character's unlikeability so much leeway is because unlike her, my family has never amended for the mean spirited and ableist way they victimized me over and over because of my disabilities. The movie gives a pretty decent example of someone who has made mistakes, and learns from them. Her behavior kinda goes unpunished but it doesn't go without growth. the conclusions she comes to would be quite mature for her age. Plus numerous other characters also see and learn fro their failings. This movie is a hidden gem and it makes me wish for when Disney Channel Original movies discussed difficult real world issues (Color of Friendship) and not make films merely ALLEGORIES for real world issues, (i.e. ZOMBIES). I can't however bring my self to give it a full rating because I had also watched I Am Sam recently, and like that movie this one also makes me a little uncomfortable with a neurotypical child giving a "great performance" as a special needs character, as well as a perhaps an inappropriately frequent use of the word "ret*rd."

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing
krschu
krschu Adult
August 25, 2020
age 7+

How do I give the reviewer a one star rating?

Don't listen to the critic on this website. This movie is fantastic and realistic. Maybe in fairytale land a young girl is going to perfectly cope and mature with a disabled twin brother. I have a mentally disabled brother in real life. It's a struggle trying to not pull your hair out between your disabled sibling frustrating you and the outside world being cruel to him. The movie captures this well. The struggle growing up led to me being intolerable to many others. This movie is about character growth. If you want to watch a movie where the characters are perfect human beings from the opening scene then go see some of the critic's 5 star rated movies.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TRU CONFESSIONS follows the story of young teenager Tru (Clara Bryant) and her twin brother Eddie (Shia LaBeouf) who has a developmental disability. Tru wants to become a broadcast journalist and when the opportunity arises to enter a competition with a local TV channel she grabs it, deciding to make a documentary about Eddie. As she puts together her film, she is forced to examine her life and relationships, gradually beginning to appreciate how she feels about her parents, her brother, and the different ways in which they each cope with family life.

Is It Any Good?

LaBeouf is the shining star in this made-for-TV Disney movie from 2002, playing developmentally-disabled teen Eddie with warmth and authenticity. This tender performance is the movie's saving grace, although -- be warned -- it's also the source of several tear-jerking moments. As his twin sister Tru, Bryant puts in a solid performance, but unfortunately her character is so irritating it's difficult to warm to her. She's rude to her Mom, blames her Dad for working too hard, and loses her temper with her brother.

Perhaps Tru Confessions is meant to give an insight into the challenges of growing up with a disabled sibling, but her endless navel gazing, obsession with filming herself, and lack of appreciation for her comfortable home and loving family make Tru the kind of person you just can't feel sorry for. It's not all misery and self pity -- we see the loving bond between the siblings, and Tru does just about redeem herself by the end. But the constant flow of negative emotion prevents this well-intended story from bringing any real joy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how disability is portrayed in Tru Confessions. How are people with disabilities or who are "different" usually treated in TV and movies? Do you think movies do a good job of representing people with disabilities? Do you know anyone with a disability who has a story you'd like to see in a movie or on TV?

  • Discuss the relationship between Tru and Eddie. What role does Tru play in Eddie's life? Do you know anyone who is a young carer? What responsibilities do young carers have? How can this role be a positive experience as well as a challenge?

  • Talk to your kids about the benefits of writing a diary or making a video diary. How does it provide an opportunity to express yourself and make sense of your thoughts and feelings?

Movie Details

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