Filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda Explores Different Sides of THE TRUTH

WDCB’s Gary Zidek reviews the new French-language film, THE TRUTH.

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Complicated family dynamics are a common theme in acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda’s movies. His latest film, THE TRUTH, explores the inner-workings of a complicated mother-daughter relationship. THE TRUTH stars screen legend Catherine Deneuve as Fabian (which is the actor’s real middle name) as the mother and Academy Award-winner Juliette Binoche as her adult daughter, Lumir.

From left to right] Ethan Hawke as Hank, Juliette Binoche as Lumir, Catherine Deneuve as Fabienne, and Clémentine Grenier as Charlotte in THE TRUTH. Photo courtesy of IFC Films.

The film opens with Lumir arriving in Paris with her husband Hank, played by Ethan Hawke, and her pre-teen daughter Charlotte (Clementine Grenie) to celebrate the release of her mother’s much anticipated memoir titled THE TRUTH. Koreeda uses a delicate hand exploring what the truth is and how we choose to remember things.

Lumir holds on to her resentment of her mother like a security blanket, questioning the validity of stories in Fabian’s new memoir. Her pain and frustration are clear from the moment she arrives at her childhood home, where she brings up a story of her mother locking her in the basement as a child. But this isn’t a movie about child abuse or some deep dark family secrets that have destroyed Lumir’s life. Koreeda is more interested in illuminating the intricacies that go into a relationships, whether its mother-daughter, boss-assistant, or mentor-mentee.

Catherine Deneuve as Fabian in THE TRUTH. Photo courtesy of IFC Films

Every performance in THE TRUTH is exceptional. Deneuve is brilliant playing a version of herself, a film legend contemplating the next phase of her life. It’s a remarkable directing feat considering Koreeda worked with mostly French actors and a French crew on his first project outside of Japan. THE TRUTH won’t leave you awestruck, but it will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. The thoughtful indie doesn’t hit you over the head with a message, instead it gently reminds you that our memories aren’t always fact and the kindest truths are often spoken, but never heard.

Gary recommends THE TRUTH with 4 out 4 stars ****

THE TRUTH is currently playing at select in-person theaters and is available to rent through several video on-demand platforms.