Hard Truths (2023): Some Dreams

Hard Truths is a short film that looks at some dreams with a cold and harsh eye. Directed by Maya Ahmed (Friends Forever) and co-written by Thomas Angeletti, Timothy J Cox, and Paige Hoover, the film cuts through the personal side of business relationships with a dull scythe.

Peter Gibney (Timothy J Cox ) is the “ever faithful” agent of model Hope Harmon (Hoover). The film shows the rapid disintegration of dreams going sour. The message here is that some things are not easy. “Pursuing a hoped for future is something that can be derailed at any time. “

The start of the film shows Gibney in a internal quandary. He is upset and the distant vibrant music clashes with his mood. Inside the building itself, we meet Hope. She appears to be successful, full of dreams and, consequently, well loved.

The entire cast exceed expectations in this short film. Hard Truths with its subtext of some dreams being, possibly, beyond reach is a superb tours de force.

Speaking of subtexts, there is a brilliant interaction between Meg Barnes (Joy Kapp) and Gibney. These two have (Had?) a relationship of some kind, and the sheer magnitude of Barnes’ performance suggests a plethora of unspoken emotions.

Hope’s husband Danny fiercely approaches Gibney with a mix of emotions. This before the fateful meeting with Hope. Danny is, perhaps, the only one who has clear issues with Hope’s long time agent.

Hard Truths is about some dreams being insurmountable, or soul destroying. Although at the end of the day, it may be more about the struggle itself.

This is easily a 4 star film. This film is a meticulous dream. Thomas Angeletti manages to pull off a mini cottage industry here. He is cinematographer, editor, co-writer and co-producer of this short film. Kudos are in order for him, the director and cast/crew.

Check out Hard Truths to see if some dreams are worth the journey.