Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Realistic drama shows psychological abuse, has lots of sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
True Things
What's the Story?
TRUE THINGS tells the story of Kate (Ruth Wilson), who lives a quiet, undisturbed life living on the coast, working at a local job center. But her entire existence is rocked and her emotions heightened, as she becomes intoxicated with the enigmatic and formerly incarcerated Blond (Tom Burke).
Is It Any Good?
This true-to-life relationship drama is elevated by two exceptional talents in the leading two roles. In True Things, both Wilson and Burke take what is essentially a simplistic narrative structure, and inject such life into the characters and the world they are inhabiting. The story is lacking somewhat, feeling a little conventional at times, and appears to go round in circles. This shadows their relationship, so the decision makes artistic sense. But from an audience perspective it can lead to tedium.
Despite these reservations, the realism makes Kate and Blond's relationship all the more authentic and relatable, shining a harsh light on subtle yet damaging behavioral traits. The toxicity and gaslighting on show will resonate with many and perhaps make some think twice about their own traits. Following Only You, this is marking director Harry Wootliff as a very exciting voice in British cinema.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship at the core of True Things. How would you describe the relationship between Kate and Blond? What do you understand the term "gaslighting" to mean? Can you give any examples?
How was sex portrayed? Was it loving and respectful? What did it mean for the characters involved? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was drinking, smoking, and drug use depicted? Were they glamorized? What were the consequences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 9, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : September 9, 2022
- Cast : Ruth Wilson , Tom Burke , Hayley Squires
- Director : Harry Wootliff
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 6, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate