2 Truths & a Lie

Finding themselves unable to tell even the simplest of lies, which in turn is starting to affect their day-to-day lives, Courtney (Siler), Jonathan (Pitcher) and Frank (Rothbauer) are all seeking help from Melissa (Gooden), a therapist specialising in helping her patients learn how to be a bit more fast and loose with the truth, starting first and foremost with the titular game where one must tell two truths and one lie about themselves. Simple. But while Melissa has a reputation for getting results, the means in which she achieves these breakthroughs is a little unorthodox to say the least.

Surreal comedy short 2 Truths & a Lie from writer/director Brandon Haynes explores an interesting hypothesis, is there such a thing as being too honest? The proposition of one being unable to lie is not new to film, but Haynes, along with a knack for comedic writing and a very capable cast delivering it manage to make the idea feel fresh, unique and most of all, very fun.

In all honesty, 2 Truths & a Lie is a film that really scores high marks right across the board. The film looks slick and clean and precise, its well-lit, well-scored and well-shot, paced brilliantly to settle us all in nicely at the start before taking the film towards a brilliant crescendo after sixteen minutes that will leave you reeling and as if that wasn’t enough, it’s a script that’s incredibly tight to boot, filled with plenty of moments to laugh, wince and gasp all the way through.

But while Haynes has certainly got the script bang on in terms of comedy, it’s the films distinct and enjoyable characters that make it sing, and they come alive all the more thanks to a cast that is absolutely spot on embolden all that hard work. Siler's bullish lawyer Courtney, Rothbauer’s neurotic and submissive poker player Frank and Pitcher’s endearing influencer are all given their moments to shine and seize it with both hands. However, it’s the wonderfully over-the-top Shawn Mathis Gooden as mad therapist Melissa who steals the show with impeccable comedic timing and expression and much like the film itself, is disarmingly funny, dark and simply brilliant to watch.

With a couple of deserved awards to prove it, 2 Truths & a Lie is a silly yet truly funny, real good time. Dark humour seems to be right in Haynes’ wheelhouse. If there is more to come, I want to be there. Believe me.