Too many films are made where a family suffers a loss or tragedy and the father figure gets angry and the mother is the voice of reason. The father buys a gun, ponders over his morals, and ends up killing those responsible. Knowing the gist of the story before I watched the film, I feared Trust would fall into the same tired category, but not only did it avoid most of the usual genre trappings and predictability, it stands out as one of 2011s better films.
There are two main reasons why the movie works so well. Firstly, the victim, a 15 year old girl (played by Liana Liberato) who is groomed online by a sexual predator, is the focus of the story and not the well-known names and faces. It doesnt lose sight of the theme of trust and become just a run of the mill thriller, instead keeping a good balance and showing the audience what trust actually means. Trust between parents and children, children and children, children and strangers, victim and villain. All of these relationships are key to the story and the film stays true to its convictions, which can be rare these days. It doesnt pander to what an audience might expect, but simply tells its own story at its own pace.
Secondly, the film portrays a vile subject with sensitivity, maturity, and still manages to be gripping. The films villain, a 40-year0old paedophile who seduces young girls on internet chat rooms, comes across a human being, not a larger than life monster, and this, above all of reasons, makes him one of the most sickening characters Ive seen in the movies. Watching him gain the girls trust online, then in public and finally in private, puts the viewer in a difficult and uncomfortable position. The grooming scenes are hard to watch because a heinous crime is being committed before our eyes and we know what might happen, but we pray it doesnt. Moreover, the crime happens only about halfway through the film and it is refreshing, if upsetting, to see the girl so confused and not emotionally able to come to terms with her assault until the films end. I cant remember a film where the victim doesnt realise they are a victim, and again, this gives Trust a power which I wasnt prepared for.
Acting honours go to Liana Liberato as the teen victim, who shows a range of emotions and a mature screen presence way beyond her years and should become a serious acting talent based on this work alone. Playing her mother, Catherine Keener is excellent as ever and remains one of the most dependable actresses working today. Most surprising of all is the performance put in by Clive Owen. I have never rated Owen as a leading man and often found him wooden and unbelievable. The best thing hes done was those short films for BMW because he didnt have to talk much. In Trust he shows a range which I didnt think he had, and his scene at the films end when he breaks down is the best acting Ive seen from him. I only hope it continues.
A special mention should also go to director David Schwimmer for making a film so watchable and which raises so many questions about the use of social networking, and how it can affect the sensibilities of a seemingly sensible young girl. The fact that he was Ross from Friends should not detract from his skill as a talented actor, or in the case of this film, director. Aside from the Scream films, this is the best big-screen outing of any of the Friends cast to date.
Overall Verdict: An uncomfortable yet always watchable depiction of a young girl being groomed online, Trust covers all the aftermath with a sensitivity you might not expect, and is a rewarding if cautionary tale that, thankfully, never preaches to its audience. Everyone involved should be proud of their work.
Special Features:
Making Of Featurette
Reviewer: Rohan Morbey