The Trouble with the Truth

A poignant human study handled honestly, showing all facets of emotions, "The Trouble with the Truth" shows us two people that we can see ourselves in, even the parts we may not want to admit to.

Jim Hemphill's script deftly guides us into a character study that at times is heart wrenching, funny, sad, desperate, hopeful, and in the end really gets us to care about these two people in a way that we care about good friends as they go through their up's and down's.

John Shea as Robert does a masterful job with a character that is easy to dislike at first. Opinionated and blunt at times but with a gift of words and charm he transform this bristly guy into someone with insecurities, doubts, and winds up with honor and hope that connects with the audience and shows us the bright side idealist that he was as a young man, truly in love.

Lea Thompson shows us the full range of emotions, her Emily is both lovely, desperate, yearning for the sparks of love in a life that is comfortable but unfulfilled. Her feelings for Robert, her ex-husband, is evident as the two talk. She is caring, funny, brutally honest about her current situation, cynical, sometimes dark and at the same time hopeful that it is not to late to make a change.

These two characters send us on a roller-coaster of emotions where we like them, dislike them, marvel at the honesty they share, and ultimately win us over with their humanity as each of us have experienced the emotions they bring to light. This is a can't miss movie that shows two actors at their best and a script that is powerful that will be with you long after the closing credits.

The Trouble with the Truth is a deeply intimate and dialogue-driven film that plays more like a stage play than a traditional cinematic experience - and that's exactly its strength. Centered almost entirely around a conversation between two former lovers reuniting over dinner, the film explores love, choices, and the complex passage of time.

The writing is sharp and honest, capturing the nuance of adult relationships without resorting to melodrama. John Shea and Lea Thompson deliver wonderfully understated performances, imbuing their characters with warmth, regret, and realism. The chemistry between them makes every line feel authentic and lived-in.

While minimalist in setting and style, the emotional depth more than makes up for the simplicity. It's a quiet film that asks big questions, and it does so with grace and intelligence.

For viewers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven dramas with a focus on meaningful dialogue, The Trouble with the Truth is a hidden gem.

I agree with the review posted earlier; this is one of the best Indie films of the year.Lea Thompson and John Shea give excellent performances; you get the impression that you are sitting at the next table listening to their conversation. Part of this is due to the dialog and part because the director created a "natural" easy feeling to the film. The performers seem comfortable and I felt they had a genuine affection for each other. This is essential to the success of the film.

An outstanding screenplay, fine performances and a film that says something without being preachy. The Trouble With Truth is a carefully composed, intelligent and enjoyable film.

I love this little film.

It felt like a play in an intimate theater--two actors, a few bit parts, and locations that could have fit on one stage. This could not possibly work in a film except for two things: the amazing, witty, smart, true dialogue; and two astonishing performances.

There are a few films that capture the middle-aged heart well, and this is one of them. With all of our clearer hindsight, regrets, what may have beens, the specter of death ahead, and wondering what this one life really adds up to. For thinking people, these sorts of questions haunt us. And here – with wit and honesty - we see two believable, flawed, appealing characters ask each other the important questions.

The ending is good, for you leave the film wanting to ask if he made the right decision. Sometimes, the questions are more important than the answers.

And, a bit of petty praise, that was one heck of a lot of dialogue to memorize.

I am sorry but I have no idea what the high ranking reviewers see in this. Maybe it's just not relevant or relatable for me. I found the movie to be a pompous attempt to be smart and edgy - but was just a major bore of 2 people sitting at a table pontificating about nothing. I think my heart stopped half way through because my brain was no longer sending messages to the rest of my organs reminding them to function. ( The only thing that makes it at all engaging is Lea Thompson is a great actress).