In theory, honesty is always the best policy – that’s what we’re taught as children. As we get older, the black and white of it starts to blur and then comes the discovery that there are in fact times when lying – or indeed lying by omission – are preferable. It’s about self-preservation. Steve Reeves’ psychological thriller, starring The Inbetweeners’ Blake Harrison and Silk’s Maxine Peake, examines this facet of the human condition under extreme pressure: fighting for survival.
Peake plays career-driven Charlotte, who finds herself isolated after being turned down from a promotion within the company she helped to build. When a dispute with her cleaner goes drastically wrong, Charlotte does all she can to protect herself, creating an illusion through lies and denial, despite the cost.
Peake delivers a staunch and powerful performance – her quiet, considered character juxtaposed with Harrison’s impulsive, almost chaotic security guard, Roger – and the twisted plot forces the viewers’ loyalties to change with every turning point. This is a slow burner with a steady pace, its examination of character almost theatrical: the story would play well on stage, the action taking place predominantly in Charlotte’s flashy London apartment. The cold grey colour of the décor, coupled with the drab British weather, creates a melancholic tone that reflects the looming sense of inevitability hanging over the plot: Charlotte has no means of redemption, in effect, no way out.
Keeping Rosy evokes a pathos that concludes even the most difficult truths are easier to live with than a simple lie. Deceit can be unpredictable and erratic; honesty isn’t better, it’s just less complicated.