True Story is a thriller directed by Rupert Goold, co-written with David Kajganich, and released in French cinemas on September 16, 2015. Led by Jonah Hill, James Franco, and Felicity Jones, the film is based on the autobiographical book by journalist Michael Finkel. This American production has been available on Prime Video since February 6, 2026.
Dismissed from the New York Times for falsifying information, Michael Finkel’s career comes to an abrupt halt. As he tries to rebuild his life, he uncovers that a man wanted by the FBI, Christian Longo, has been living under his name for years. This alleged family murderer claims he only wants to tell his story to Finkel, paving the way for a relationship that is as unsettling as it is ambiguous.
Prison interviews, exchanges of letters, and psychological confrontations shape their interactions. Fascinated by his subject, Finkel hopes to craft a revealing, exclusive story that could revive his reputation. The line between manipulation and the search for truth gradually blurs, as the journalist begins to question his own vulnerabilities and the magnetic pull of criminal figures.
The story draws inspiration from the book True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa, published in 2002 by Michael Finkel, which details his encounter with Christian Longo, who is now on death row. Debuting at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015, the film marks the feature directorial debut of Rupert Goold, a British director from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Goold describes the film as a meditation on nemesis and rivalry, drawing a compelling parallel with the classic figures of Othello and Iago.
Having Jonah Hill and James Franco, both known for their comedic roles, participate in the film adds a layer of ambiguity to the story. Their prior camaraderie, especially evident in This Is the End, contrasts with a more subdued psychological showdown here. Produced in part by Brad Pitt, the film explores the media’s obsession with sensational news stories and blurs the line between truth, lies, and storytelling.
True Story | Film (2015)
In theaters since: September 16, 2015
Available on Prime Video as of February 6, 2026
Thriller | Runtime: 1h40
Directed by Rupert Goold | Starring Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones
Original title: True Story
Country: United States
Through the clash between a fallen journalist and a cunning criminal, True Story delves into the gray areas of morality and the shaping of media narratives. Blending psychological drama with a meditation on truth, the film ranks among thrillers inspired by real events, focused on intense confrontations.
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