Captivating Movie Review: Unleashing the Fierce Heroine in Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths”

Pansy is a woman in her 50s living in a spacious flat in London. She keeps everything pristine and is married to Curtley, her supportive husband who works as a plumber. Despite her comfortable life, Pansy seems perpetually angry. She spends her days expressing her frustrations at anyone in her path—from her husband and her moody son to the market clerk and even her sister.

In “Hard Truths,” the latest film by Mike Leigh, we delve into Pansy’s world. She’s a stark contrast to Sally Hawkins’ cheerful character from “Happy-Go-Lucky.” While Poppy finds joy in life, Pansy is always on edge, ready to explode with rage. Her son, Moses, isolates himself, diving into children’s books while wearing noise-cancelling headphones, leaving Pansy annoyed and concerned about his lack of ambition.

Pansy’s irritation extends beyond her son. She is upset about everyone, including her sister Chantelle, a successful hairdresser and single mom. With Mother’s Day approaching, Chantelle wants Pansy to join her in visiting their mother’s grave—a woman who has been gone for five years. This situation raises an important question that Pansy avoids: why is she so angry?

Pansy’s doctor even hints that perhaps cutting back on caffeine could help her mood. It’s a small suggestion but might just address Pansy’s endless agitation. Mike Leigh, known for his honest portrayals of working-class life, captures the complexity of relationships through little scenes and dialogues, skillfully revealing human struggles.

Pansy’s character stands out alongside Leigh’s memorable figures. While she is hard to love, we begin to grasp the sorrow behind her fury. Mike Leigh’s work resonates deeply, as he skillfully showcases the realities of life and emotions.

At 82, Leigh remains a unique voice in filmmaking. His insights into society often offer a truer reflection of people’s lives compared to more commercial films. If we fail to nurture artists like him, we will miss out on crucial perspectives.

Rating: R (profanity, smoking)

Cast: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michelle Austin, David Webber, Ani Nelson, Sophia Brown, and Tuwaine Barrett.

Credits: Directed and scripted by Mike Leigh. The film is available on streaming platforms like Apple TV and Fandango.

Running time: 1 hour 37 minutes.