Nothing But the Truth

Clearly inspired by Judith Miller's role in the Valerie Plame case, writer/director Rod Lurie takes dramatic liberties to allow for a provocative treatment of an ongoing battle for civil liberties exacted in the name of national security. Rachel Armstrong (Kate Beckinsale) is a New York Times journalist working on a story that will expose her soccer mom neighbor Erica Van Doren (Vera Farmiga) as a covert C.I.A. agent. After the story runs, the Government assigns special prosecutor Patton Dubois (Matt Dillon) to induce Rachel to hand over her source or face a prison sentence that she is mentally if not physically prepared to serve. Rod Lurie ("The Contender") balances the tragic repercussions of two women drawn into a swirling riptide of political ill will and sudden violence. Lurie's pitch-perfect dialogue keeps the thriller humming with lucid tension and biting satire.  

(Yari Film Group) Rated R. 107 mins. (B+) (Four Stars)