[Review] Trust me (2013)

cast: Clark Gregg, Felicity Huffman, Allison Janney, William H. Macy, Niecy Nash, Amanda Peet, Sam Rockwell, Molly Shannon ,Saxon Sharbino, Paul Sparks

directed by: Clark Gregg

“Who’s ready to sign some autographs?”

“Trust Me” is that little movie that might have escaped me until I combed Tumblr researching for some photos. Clark Gregg in all his awesome wisdom not only stared but pulled a trifecta of writing, directing and acting in a picture about a former child star turned into an agent who finally spots some real talent in Hollywood.

What’s the big deal about this story? It’s the dark undertone of a tale we might have heard before. Howard (Gregg) is a former child star who couldn’t make it as a big shot actor and became an agent who isn’t having the time of his life. That’s all about to change when Lydia (Sharbino) gives an audition. Howard knows the ropes but better than anyone, including Aldo (Rockwell) has a heart because he’s been in the spot these kids are right now. He knows the challenges, the heartache, the grief, the demons, the darkness of the spotlight. And here comes this blonde little girl with a crude father who might make it to the top.

It’s a satire,  a canvas painted in the shades of grey for this brand new generation of wonder kids who make it big in the upcoming franchises. Hollywood is always hungry, the public demands more stories put on screen and more and more kids are turned from no ones into stars. Who will be the next Jennifer Lawrence or Robert Pattinson? Which novel will be made into a movie trilogy? It’s a never-ending circle and the price of stardom is paid in blood, sweat and tears.

Clark Gregg gives a powerful performance together with the newcomer Saxon Sharbino. The former child star with the future starlet are walking on broken glass as faith, hopes, dreams and truth are put to test.

Is it worth it of our time? Yes. “Trust me” gives an unflattering curtain call of the industry. Souls are crushed, dreams are broken and only a few make it out there but can they survive? Can they make it to adulthood? Can they make the transition from child actors to adult performers? Some can, others don’t. Truth hurts.

Edge and Back: 7/10