The Truth

The Truth is out there, on the shelves of reputable retailers available to buy on DVD. It is a strange and convoluted exploration of human nature.

Seven strangers meet at a countryside retreat to explore a seven-step programme in pursuit of the Truth. Sworn to keep their minds open, but their lips sealed, this promise is questioned when one of their number is murdered by a group member.

At times, the script appears stilted because select characters seem to lack credibility. This makes it difficult to discern whether these are unconvincing characters performed adequately or uncomfortable characters performed aptly. In any case, the calibre of cast members was judged highly by director and writer George Milton, the casting process reflecting attention to artistic intent.

Elaine Cassidy gives a stellar performance as central character Candy, a wheelchair-bound teenager who joins the therapy group on the road and is the most innately honest of all the characters, which immediately causes friction between the group members. True honesty is not respected within the confines of 'The Truth' and its tokenism. The moral of the story is that there is no moral, only irony.

The film is an ambitious attempt at the challenging psychodrama genre but this is neither a thriller nor a chiller. Instead it is black comedy watered down with a bit of murder mystery. Despite a reputable cast, The Truth is rather unconvincing. [Yasmin Ali]