It's a remarkable experience to find oneself drawn to a movie that constantly challenges our senses. In Hard Truths, Marianne Jean-Baptiste takes on the role of a woman at odds with the world and herself. Her character, Pansy, is a complex entity, filled with anger and unhappiness. As we follow her story, we begin to understand the depths of her pain and the struggles she faces.

The Magic of Mike Leigh's Filmmaking

If you've seen any of Mike Leigh's previous works, you know that he has a unique ability to make his films work. His films are marked by a supreme emotional generosity, yet each one is distinct. In Hard Truths, Leigh once again showcases his talent for creating unique and splendid oddballs. Every character is a study in human nature, and together they drive us crazy in the best possible way.

The Beginning of Pansy's Struggle

In the first scene, we see Pansy awakening in a darkened bedroom, a world apart from the outside. As she opens the drapes, the sunlight and the peaceful cooing of the pigeons become a source of irritation. Her husband Curtley has already left for work, and her son Moses tries to leave for his walk. But Pansy's anger is palpable as she barks orders and berates those around her. A simple banana peel left on the counter becomes a reason for a long lecture about Moses' laziness. This is just the beginning of Pansy's litany of grievances, and it sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Leigh slowly begins to fill in the details of Pansy's backstory. We learn that she has a sister, Chantelle, who is the exact opposite of her - cheerful and open-hearted. Their mother's death five years ago seems to have had a profound impact on Pansy, but it's not the only problem she faces. She is plagued by migraines, fatigue, and various aches and pains. Are these psychosomatic symptoms or a result of her unhappiness? Leigh leaves us to wonder.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste's performance is nothing short of astonishing. She conveys Pansy's pain and anger with heart-rending specificity. We see the warrior within her, ready to fight at a moment's notice. As Pansy and Chantelle place flowers at their mother's grave, we see the cracks in their relationship. Chantelle's frustration and Pansy's inability to let go are palpable. This is a moment of truth for both sisters, and it shows the depth of their connection.

The Visual Storytelling of Dick Pope

Hard Truths was shot by the great cinematographer Dick Pope, who passed away in October. His work in this film is truly remarkable. Each frame is clear, concise, and controlled, yet the emotions contained within are palpable. Pope's camera captures the invisible, quivering molecules of life, bringing us closer to the characters and their struggles. Through his lens, we see Chantelle reaching out to her sister across a vast chasm, Curtley fed up with his wife, and Moses trying to please his unpleasable mother. But mostly, we see Pansy, and her story becomes our own.

As we watch Pansy navigate through her daily life, we can't help but recognize ourselves or someone we know. Leigh has introduced us to this world with infinite kindness, inviting us to feel compassion for a woman we may not have understood at first. And that, in itself, is the magic of Hard Truths.