-Written by Michelle Vorob.
Truth Serum is a short film directed by Vika Evdokimenko, in which a housewarming party goes haywire after guests unknowingly consume what turns out to be a Truth Serum.
Abbie (Olivia Vinall) and Matt (Killian Coyle) have just moved into a new home and Abbie is nervously getting ready for guests to arrive. Matt is still out at work and tries to assure Abbie everything will be fine over the phone, but surprise, he's actually meeting his mistress. This thing goes from zero to one hundred right away. Meanwhile, back at home, Abbie's first guest arrives, her old friend Benji (Danny Ashok), who [clearly] has a long-standing crush on Abbie.
Truth Serum has a bit of a quirky, cute feel, but didn't feel 100% like a comedy to me. I was waiting for it to either reach a level of zany comedy or drama that it didn't meet, however, that's not to say it wasn't entertaining to watch. There were enough revelations and character quirks to keep me interested. Let's say it falls into the category of dramedy.
Abbie's old friend Vera (Sophie Kennedy Clark) arrives and is, or was, a party girl. BTW, she brings her teen daughter Roni (Miranda Beinart-Smith), even though no one else brought their kids along. “Everyone's friend” Jimmy (Richard Gadd) arrives and he's all trouble. Actually, Jimmy is responsible for everyone unknowingly drinking the truth serum, as he finds a mystery vial of something that looks like it's glowing while secretly scouring the house for drugs.
Soon, the house is filled with guests, including Abbie's boss (Richard Lintern) and his wife (Emilia Karlsson). Matt comes back home while the party is in full swing and everything gets a little unhinged as everyone unknowingly is drinking the truth serum.
What's interesting about this premise is that people are known to spill truths and personal business when they drink alcohol. Alcohol has been referred to as a “truth serum” in many instances, so I liked the idea of a “mysterious something” guaranteeing anyone who drank at this party would tell the truth, without necessarily being intoxicated by alcohol.
We withhold truths to spare the feelings of those we care about, to protect ourselves; sometimes, we even lie to ourselves. We lie in mundane situations, just to go along or be polite. Sometimes, it really doesn't matter. A white lie or omission of a truth can and does make life easier. We know that in reality, it's impossible to tell the truth 100% of the time and honestly, that would be insane. I'm getting a bit off-topic, or am I?
Sometimes, the truth can be life-changing, whether good or bad. In those instances, truth is a necessity, even if it's hard. Truth Serum throws everything in a punch bowl and goes for it. The ultimate dinner party gone wrong and I tend to love anything I've seen, comedy or drama, that takes place during a dinner party.
Pull up a chair at this party and see how the night goes for you. You can watch Truth Serum right now on YouTube.
Directed by Vika Evdokimenko.
Written by Oliver Shuster.
Starring Olivia Vinall, Killian Coyle, Danny Ashok, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Miranda Beinart-Smith, Umi Myers, Richard Lintern, Emilia Karlsson, etc.
8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
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