True Things is much like its main protagonist Kate (Ruth Wilson). The film is intense, passionate, and a little listless. Kate works at a benefits office and wants something more out of life. She may not know exactly what it is, but when a a mysterious man (Tom Burke) begins flirting with her, things begin to come enough into focus enough.
The relationship quickly becomes what some people may consider toxic. Kate quickly reshapes her life to spend more time with Blonde. (This is how she lists him in her contacts list.) Never the model employee, she begins missing work, along with spending less time with her family and friends. The sexual energy she shares with Blonde is powerful and alluring.
Adapting the 2010 novel True Things About Me, director Harry Wootliff seems to be asking is a relationship truly toxic if it is what the people involved want. There is no disputing a relationship built on lust and bad decisions can be unhealthy, but in the case of Kate and Blonde, that may be exactly what they are looking for.
The sudden slide is made believable thanks to the strong chemistry that Wilson and Burke have. True Things is filled with carnal moments and emotional entanglements that only work thanks to the performances of its two leads. The pair make it look effortless and their acting is the highlight of the movie.
This is especially important since the story has many flaws. For a movie about a couple to work – whether the pairing is toxic or not – the audience has to care. This involves a level of knowing that True Things does not want to give the audience. This adds an air of mystery to the proceedings, but it also prevents anyone watching from becoming caught up in the story.
True Things is able to get past these missteps thanks to its handling of Kate. She is completely caught up in her exciting new romance. Perhaps intentionally, the film leaves it blurry as to why she allows things to escalate the way they do. Is it truly love or the excitement of it all?
True Things releases in theaters September 9
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