Hard Truths, written and directed by Mike Leigh, is a brilliant film that owes much of its critical acclaim to the extraordinary lead performance by Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The drama, which also stars Michelle Austin, Davis Webber, and Tuwaine Barrett, is both gut-wrenching and unforgettable.
Jean-Baptiste is magnetic as Pansy Deacon, a woman drowning in depression and frustration, whose inner turmoil seeps into every corner of her life. Her marriage to Curtley (Webber) buckles under the weight, her relationship with her son Moses (Barrett) is pushed to the edge, and even the brightness of her sister Chantelle (Austin) and her daughters can’t escape her tantrums.
It’s no surprise but remarkable that Jean-Baptiste’s outstanding portrayal earned her no fewer than six Best Actress nominations: Critics’ Choice Awards, BAFTA, Gotham Awards, Trifecta’s NYFCC, LAFCA, and NSFC. And thus making her the first woman of colour to achieve such recognition across these prestigious circles.
Featuring Ani Nelson, Sophia Brown, and Jonathan Livingstone with special appearances from Jo Martin and Llewella Gideon, Hard Truths is a must-watch on Netflix.
Tip:
Watched it within six hours of release. My bet? It’s destined for Netflix UK’s Top 10