"Truth Never Lies" is advertised as a "thriller," but it is much closer to domestic melodrama, plus pop psychology. A poor waif appears on the doorstep of a well-to-do family in Malibu. She passes out on the doorstep and is treated by the doctor who owns the home.
It turns out that the young woman has amnesia, and the family does not report her to the police. In fact, they are happy to welcome her into their lives as a replacement for April, the daughter of the couple, who died tragically in an automobile accident. The family decides to name her Sky. April's brother Aaron, also takes a liking to the newcomer in more than a brotherly fashion.
Most of the film is static with long talks and quasi philosophical musings about time, the past, memory, and pain. A journalist shows up to quiz the young woman about her amnesia. A man claiming to the young woman's "uncle" shows up, but he doesn't reveal any documentary or photographic evidence that Sky is his niece; he leaves and never returns.
The filmmakers double down on their theme about how the past weighs us down with a plot twist that ties everything together at the end. The family secrets are finally revealed. The doctor had apparently once had an affair with a nurse. He had another encounter with his star female student, who called him "Johnny" and brunched with him at a local diner. After blowing the lid off of their family baggage, the tortured souls now appear to be ready to move on with their lives by going to Europe!
Although this film was a slow burner, it was nonetheless heartfelt. The performances were thoughtful; the scoring was effective; and the photography was beautiful. While the philosophy was not deep, it accurately showed how we are burdened with the past. If only we all could just "let go" and "be in the moment" like Sky, life might be as beautiful as the beaches of Malibu.
It turns out that the young woman has amnesia, and the family does not report her to the police. In fact, they are happy to welcome her into their lives as a replacement for April, the daughter of the couple, who died tragically in an automobile accident. The family decides to name her Sky. April's brother Aaron, also takes a liking to the newcomer in more than a brotherly fashion.
Most of the film is static with long talks and quasi philosophical musings about time, the past, memory, and pain. A journalist shows up to quiz the young woman about her amnesia. A man claiming to the young woman's "uncle" shows up, but he doesn't reveal any documentary or photographic evidence that Sky is his niece; he leaves and never returns.
The filmmakers double down on their theme about how the past weighs us down with a plot twist that ties everything together at the end. The family secrets are finally revealed. The doctor had apparently once had an affair with a nurse. He had another encounter with his star female student, who called him "Johnny" and brunched with him at a local diner. After blowing the lid off of their family baggage, the tortured souls now appear to be ready to move on with their lives by going to Europe!
Although this film was a slow burner, it was nonetheless heartfelt. The performances were thoughtful; the scoring was effective; and the photography was beautiful. While the philosophy was not deep, it accurately showed how we are burdened with the past. If only we all could just "let go" and "be in the moment" like Sky, life might be as beautiful as the beaches of Malibu.
