It’s been quite a while since we’ve gotten a new film from director Mike Leigh—the last being 2018’s “Peterloo.” However, that is changing soon with the release of his newest film, “Hard Truths.”
READ MORE: 2024 Fall Film Preview: 50 Movies To Watch
As seen in the trailer, “Hard Truths” tells the story of Pansy, a woman who finds herself picking fights with nearly everyone in her life. From her husband to her adult son and sister, Pansy is known for criticizing everyone. But as you might expect in a Leigh film, the character is shown in all her vulnerability, peeling back layers to reveal what is really underneath the gruff exterior.
The film stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michele Austin, David Webber, and Tuwaine Barrett. “Hard Truths” is written and directed by iconic British filmmaker Mike Leigh. He previously worked with Jean-Baptiste in the acclaimed film, “Secrets & Lies.” In addition to other Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Jean-Baptiste was nominated for Supporting Actress.
“Hard Truths” is set to have its world premiere at this year’s TIFF. The film will then debut in theaters nationwide on January 10. You can watch the trailer below.
Here’s a synopsis (via TIFF) for the film:
Hypersensitive to the slightest possible offence and ever ready to fly off the handle, Pansy (Jean-Baptiste) does not ingratiate. She criticizes her husband Curtley (David Webber) and their adult son Moses (Tuwaine Barrett) so relentlessly that neither bother to argue with her. She picks fights with strangers and sales clerks and enumerates the world’s countless flaws to anyone who will listen, most especially her cheerful sister Chantal (Michele Austin), who might be the only person still capable of sympathizing with her. As the film peels back Pansy’s pain and the daily fallout left in its wake, we wonder if a breaking point will come for the family.