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Parents' Guide to

True Things

By Stefan Pape, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Realistic drama shows psychological abuse, has lots of sex.

Movie NR 2022 102 minutes
True Things movie poster image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 1 parent review

Alric K.
Alric K. Adult
January 25, 2023
age 17+

Ruth Wilson is the Real Draw

This is not a movie for children. In fact, it's only for the most mature adults; not naïve adults with a gooey-eyed view of relationships. Ruth Wilson portrays a woman named Kate, whose senses are dulled by the monotony of her days, and an emptiness she attempts to address with sex. When the movie opens, she's already in trouble with her supervisor for her disconnect from her work environment and her tardiness. In her work as a government employee providing welfare benefits, she met a man Blond, who recently been released from prison. The feels an immediate animal magnetism, but is soon caught up in an emotionally abusive relationship in which she is willing to give up all and Blond provides nothing. He instead dangles the hope of a real relationship to her, and she falls for it repeatedly, to the detriment of her own professional life. She once lent him her car, after which he disappeared for a whole week. The film ends with her coming to her senses, and there's a feeling that everything is about to realign itself in her favor. The performances were topnotch--especially hers, when you can read the pain on her face--and there is some mature sexuality on display. Her tenderness comes through. What I found most odd was the formatting of the film. It was almost square, the 4:3, like before widescreen televisions. I don't get this formatting choice.
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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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

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

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