Hard Truths illustrates exactly that, the raw realities of reconciling relationships, grief, and an unfulfilling life. The lead character, Pansy, played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, is thorny, miserable, and grating. These qualities make for an incredible showcase of acting prowess, but not a particularly inviting narrative.
Unlike other naturalistic stories told by director Mike Leigh’s contemporaries, such as Linklater of the Before Trilogy, Hard Truths felt joyless and aimless to watch. The comedic elements woven in just weren’t enough to overcome the dour tone, and a lack of substantive writing made it equally difficult to develop empathy toward Pansy and understand her worldview.
I guess the only hard truth here is the film was a letdown.
