After receiving critical acclaim for his Palme d’Or-winning feature Shoplifters at Cannes in 2018, director Hirokazu Kore-eda is back with another mesmerizing tale of emotionally turbulent familial dysfunction, in The Truth (La Vérité).
This time, we’re transported to Paris and into the mansion of the famed Parisian actress Fabienne Dangeville (Catherine Deneuve), a self-absorbed, aging icon who is unwilling to accept responsibility for questionable choices she has made throughout her life. These choices are purposefully omitted from her new memoir, which frustrates her daughter Lumir (Juliette Binoche), who flew with her husband (Ethan Hawke) and daughter from New York to celebrate the book’s release. Although resistant to engage with Lumir’s questioning, Fabienne is eventually forced to confront the white lies she’s told herself throughout her life in order to deal with certain unbearable truths
Aware that her career is beginning to wind down, Fabienne’s first line of defense is to belittle others to feel superior. Her entitlement is apparent on the set of her latest film, which also acts as a vehicle that allows her to work through her past. Her obvious jealousy towards her much younger co-star is petty, and also terribly sad. Fabienne is terrified of being considered “washed up,” and while she acts tough on the exterior, she’s really just overcompensating for a bruised ego and shrinking confidence. Lumir’s presence brings out Fabienne’s moody side, but it’s ultimately the catalyst that was needed for true self-reflection.
Expertly crafted by Hirokazu Kore-eda, The Truth is a sensitively told story that never villainizes Fabienne, even when a case can be made against her terribly selfish ways. There is a warmth that radiates from the actors, all of whom offer sensational performances. Legendary Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche play against each other perfectly, and Ethan Hawke is a fantastic supporting character. Once again, Hirokazu Kore-eda shows that family dysfunction is normal and can be sorted out if the bonds that tie them together come from a loving place.
IFC Films is releasing The Truth (La Vérité) on VOD this Friday, July 3rd.
