Mike Leigh and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who previously collaborated on the Oscar-nominated Secrets & Lies, have reunited to bring the hard-hitting film Hard Truths to the screen. The film premiered at the London Film Festival and features Jean-Baptiste playing Pansy, a woman whose constant misery puts severe strain on the relationships in her life. The film was rejected by prominent film festivals such as Venice, Cannes, and Telluride but has received positive reviews from critics.
Leigh and Jean-Baptiste’s new film could see them both in the Academy Awards race once again. Hard Truths centres on Pansy, an irritable woman who regularly puts those around her, especially her husband, son, and sister, under great stress. Throughout the film, Pansy navigates various everyday situations with her quick temper and it all reaches its climax on Mother’s Day when their families gather together to mark the occasion.
Jean-Baptiste’s central performance in the lead role is stunning despite playing a grumpy character. The film’s quiet, unflashy style allows the characters to breathe in a way that arguably leaves a much bigger impact on the viewer. The script was written by Leigh but the director works with his cast via rehearsals and improvisation to shape the characters’ words in ways that feel authentic for them.
While Hard Truths is not an easy watch, it is a must-watch due to Jean-Baptiste’s stunning lead performance and an ending that doesn’t take the easy way out. The film reaches audiences in January, and its tonality and character exploration make it worthy of the attention it has received so far
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