The Whole Truth

Good movie with very interesting twists.
Keanu makes every role he does so interesting and good. I love that man.

Simply too predictable for its genre.

this played like an extended court room scene in an episode of law and order svu, which isn't to say it's bad—it can just be done in a much shorter period of time to the same effect. i mean there's a reason law and order trial by jury barely survived. the reality of court is incredibly tedious and boring, even with salacious twists and mysteries, and having a movie set exclusively in the courtroom is almost always going to feel like a drag because of that. otherwise it's a good movie; i will say after the last keanu movie i watched being the one with ana de armas, this was a nice reminder that keanu can act given the right roles. he does a good job, though his character is not at all pleasant or likable, which makes the narration unnecessary and annoying. mike's actor was solid, as were renee and gugu, but given the chance i'd rewatch svu over this.

A lawyer movie in which the lawyer himself turns out to be the killer. An interesting take, but seemed just a bit forced and I feel like they could've done it better.

I kept thinking it was the mother, and her son was taking the blame for her. Either way the murder seemed justified so we rooted for them. But when the beatings turned out to be a lie, in addition to the rape lie, it got harder to tell which of those flashbacks really happened and which of them didn't. It all seemed blurry in the end, I honestly didn't even get whether the woman really was having an affair, and if that affair was with the lawyer.

Watchable but still guilty of mediocrity. The twist is guessable early on but even if you don't predict it, you might be disappointed at the final reveal.

The Whole Truth, directed by Courtney Hunt and starring Keanu Reeves and Renée Zellweger, is a legal drama that attempts to explore the intricacies of a murder case but falls short of delivering a gripping narrative. While the premise holds potential, the execution lacks the tension and emotional depth that could have made it more impactful.

The story revolves around a defense attorney working to uncover the truth behind a murder case. However, the plot follows a predictable structure, leaving little room for surprises or intense moments. The courtroom scenes, which should be the film's focal point, lack the dramatic weight necessary to keep viewers fully engaged. The interactions between characters often feel forced and lack authenticity, weakening the overall impact of the story.

In terms of performances, Keanu Reeves portrays the defense attorney with restraint, but his character lacks the emotional range needed to make the role compelling. Renée Zellweger has some interesting moments, but her screen time is limited, and her character doesn’t leave a lasting impression. One standout, however, is the assistant to the attorney, whose performance brings a touch of freshness and vitality to an otherwise subdued cast.

From a technical perspective, the film’s cinematography is straightforward, with a muted color palette that mirrors the somber tone of the story. However, this visual style does little to compensate for the film's slow pacing and lack of energy. The soundtrack is unobtrusive and fails to enhance the film’s atmosphere, making it largely forgettable.

When compared to other legal dramas like The Verdict or A Few Good Men, The Whole Truth doesn’t reach the same level of intensity or intrigue. Its slow pace and lack of memorable moments make it feel like a missed opportunity, especially given the talent involved. The film plays it safe, opting for a conventional approach that neither surprises nor excites.

Despite its shortcomings, The Whole Truth may appeal to fans of light legal dramas with modest expectations. However, viewers seeking a more immersive and thrilling experience are likely to be disappointed. Ultimately, the film remains a forgettable entry in the genre, offering little beyond its basic premise and solid performances from a well-known cast.

Poor movie, too wooden, I could not empathise with any character

I like Keanu Reeves and Renee Zellweger but I found that this movie was very slow and dull. Keanu Reeves narration I found low and boring and almost getting on my nerves. There just didn't seem to be enough in the movie and I agree with what Richard Murray said in the comments about the end. I think that they could have done a lot better. The movie was just barely ok, not a movie that I would recommend.

Fair film for the first two acts, kept hanging around to see what happened. Good performance by Reeves and Zellweger. Maybe not their best, but solid. I'm not sure what Mbatha-Raw's part in the film was supposed to be, but her part in the released film has zero impact. She's a good actor, but her character wasn't given anything to do but deliver a lukewarm questioning to one witness.

As for the surprise at the end? [spoiler]I've never liked thrillers that have the big "surprising" reveal that the ~~butler~~ defense attorney did it, despite there being no real evidence presented in the film. It went from mediocre and largely forgettable to stupid and insulting with the non-guilty verdict and the attorney client meeting.[/spoiler]