Review: Hard Truth is About Struggling With Bigotry

Tuwaine Barrett, David Webber, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Photo Courtesy of Simon Mein

Oscar nominated Marianne Jean-Baptiste stars, in “what is sure to be one of the best performances of the year” according to a BBC review.

The story is set in London’s Black Caribbean community. Pansy, played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste in a compelling performance, is a very angry woman, yelling at everyone. Her tirades against her husband (David Webber) and son (Tuwaine Barrett) are so common, neither pays much attention.

Her anxiety and depression stem from struggling with life dealing with bigotry. We also see the struggle of her husband who is an ageing plumber trying to carry on his work with his body failing him. Her overweight son is also affected by her depression and anxiety but is also dealing with depression facing bulling by his peers because of his body image.

Pansy finally breaks down at cemetery visiting the grave of her sister as she reflects on life and struggles growing up and where life has brought her. There is some movement toward the end of the story with some changes in everyday life that show the possibility of change in her life.