Trust Me

Trust Me

movie

2013, Comedy, Drama

WISE
52%

WISE Score

Clark Gregg plays a struggling agent in this biting, R-rated satire that treats the quest for Hollywood stardom like a high-stakes hostage negotiation.

TMDB5.8
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

Trust Me is a solid, if slightly forgotten, indie drama that succeeds because it isn't afraid to be a little bit mean. It’s not a 'family movie' by any stretch, but it’s a great 'parent movie' if you’re into the dark side of Tinseltown.

It’s a bit of a time capsule of that 2010s indie aesthetic, but the performances—especially Sam Rockwell as the sleazy rival—keep it from feeling too dated. Just keep the kids in the other room; this is a movie about the industry that eats them for breakfast.

Age Fit

This is strictly for the older crowd—think 16 and up. Between the R-rated language and the very adult cynicism about career failure and industry politics, it will likely bore or confuse younger kids.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
42

The film deals with the cynical, often exploitative underbelly of the entertainment industry. While the protagonist has a heart, the environment is filled with manipulation and broken promises.

Imaginative
58

It’s a grounded, dialogue-heavy indie drama. It doesn't build new worlds, but Clark Gregg's specific voice offers a unique, noir-adjacent take on the Hollywood satire genre.

Safe
35

Rated R for language and sexual references. It deals with heavy themes of child exploitation (emotional, not physical) and industry sleaze that aren't for the younger crowd.

Enriching
65

As a cautionary tale about the cost of fame and the reality of the 'dream,' it’s actually quite insightful for older teens interested in performing arts.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Clark Gregg is fantastic as Howard, playing a guy who is simultaneously a loser and the only person in the room with a soul.
  • The ensemble cast is stacked with heavy hitters like Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney, and Felicity Huffman who clearly had fun with the cynical script.
  • It offers a realistic deconstruction of the 'child star' myth that is much more interesting than a standard rags-to-riches story.
  • The dialogue is sharp and fast-paced, making it a great pick for fans of industry-focused dramedies like Entourage but with more heart.
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What to Watch For

  • The R-rating is earned through persistent profanity and some frank, albeit brief, sexual dialogue.
  • The theme of exploitation is the core of the movie; it looks at how adults use kids for a paycheck, which can be a heavy watch.
  • It’s a slow-burn indie from 2013, so don't expect 'Marvel-movie' pacing even though the lead is Agent Coulson himself.

Conversation Starters

  • "If you were Howard, would you have signed Lydia even knowing her father was a nightmare?"
  • "Why do you think people are so obsessed with being famous, even when it looks this miserable?"
  • "How can you tell when someone actually has your best interests at heart versus just wanting something from you?"
  • "Does the movie make you feel differently about the child actors you see on TV?"
Stills
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