True Things (15)
Directed by Harry Wootliff
★★★

A BENEFIT claims officer finds herself heading into an intoxicating car-crash relationship after a chance encounter with a charismatic, blond stranger in this slow-burning sexual drama from co-writer-director Harry Wootliff.

Warned by her co-worker and friend (Hayley Squires) that becoming involved with a client is a sackable offence, thirty-something Kate (Ruth Wilson) can’t help but be swept away by Blond (Tom Burke), an ex-con who awakens her from her stupor.

Unfortunately, he stamps all over her self-esteem as quickly as he lifts it up. Though an intelligent woman, she begins to define herself through him in a tale sadly as old as time.

Based on Deborah Kay Davies’s novel, this is a complex, character-driven work about toxic relationships, elevated by Wilson and Burke’s stunning performances and sizzling chemistry.

The pair are exquisite to watch as they bring their characters to life, ending in a hopeful and satisfactory conclusion.