‘True Story’ On Netflix: A Review Of The New Riveting Limited Series

True Story is Netflix’s new limited series starring Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes. Released on the streaming platform on November 24, the series has since shot to Netflix’s Top Ten in many countries. Created by Eric Newman, this seven-episode series is the kind of thriller in which, predictably, every situation turns from bad to worse.  

Kevin Hart plays Kid, one of the world’s most famous comedians from Philadelphia, who returns to his hometown for a show. While in Philly, Kid reunites with his brother Carlton, played by Wesley Snipes. After their one night out together ends in disaster, things escalate to the worst imaginable. Kid is left having to answer the question of how far he’ll go to protect what he has.

True Story, with all its twists and cliffhanger endings, is a violent thriller, with a rather predictable plot, that will have you hooked (especially if you haven’t guessed from the beginning what the big twist will be—I won’t spoil it here). This is essentially a story about two brothers and their fraught relationship, finding themselves in rather unbelievable situations, and a number of dead bodies.

The hour-long first episode introduces Kid as a famous stand-up comedian, who just starred in a billion-dollar-worth superhero movie with Chris Hemsworth (a nice cameo). The series shows Kid as always surrounded by his entourage, Hershel (William Catlett), his bodyguard, Billie (Tawny Newsome), his chief writer who feels under-appreciated, and Todd (Paul Adelstein), his manager. The three, and especially Hershel and Todd, are never too far, making it hard for Kid to get away on his own. As the episodes unfold, it becomes increasingly evident that Kid is a difficult boss.

Kid’s older brother, Carlton, is introduced as a troublesome presence in Kid’s life. In debt from a failed restaurant, Carlton keeps asking for money from Kid to bail him out of trouble. Even Todd sees Carlton as a troublemaker, advising Kid to essentially cut him loose. Wesley Snipes’ great performance—always hinting at an ulterior motive—provides more nuance to this character, introduced as always attracting problems. As the first episode suggests, it is Kid who finds himself in trouble, with Carlton trying to help him out. It is Kid who keeps making things worse, showing himself to be prepared to do anything to save his career and future.

Where the series excels is in the portrayal of a difficult brotherly relationship. From the beginning, the series establishes that the two do not quite like each other, but this undetachable bond means that they must put up with each other. Wesley Snipes is excellent as the down on his luck and always in trouble older brother, just as Kevin Hart is as the successful kid brother, who only really thinks of himself and what benefits him. From the first episode, it becomes clear that they are not good for each other. On their first night out together, while Kid has been 6 months sober, Carlton still incites his brother to drink. Each uses the other for their own means, if they have something to gain from it. Resentment and jealousy bubbles to the surface, with Kid being continually condescending towards his older brother, and Carlton visibly envious of his little brother’s celebrity status. This complex relationship is made palpable by the great chemistry between the two actors.

True Story is a gripping thriller, even if its plot is predictable. What makes it captivating is the two characters inhabited by Wesley Snipes and Kevin Hart. The series also features some great supporting roles from Billy Zane, as Greek gangster Ari, and Theo Rossi, as Kid’s unstable fan.