She Thought She Was Alone. She Was Wrong

Directed by Carlson Young and written by Gigi Levangie, is a thriller that explores the dark side of fame, privacy, and betrayal in the digital age. Starring Sophie Turner as Lauren Lane, a former child star turned TV icon, the film follows her desperate attempt to escape a PR nightmare after her private information and photos are leaked online. While Trust had the potential to be a sharp, thought-provoking commentary on celebrity culture and the invasion of privacy, it ultimately falls short due to an unfocused narrative, weak character development, and a lack of originality.

📖 Plot Overview: A Star’s Descent into Paranoia

Lauren Lane (Sophie Turner) is America’s sweetheart, the star of a beloved family sitcom akin to Full House. Her wholesome image is shattered when an internet hacker leaks her private contact information, intimate photos, and a positive pregnancy test. Facing a media firestorm and death threats, Lauren flees to a remote cabin to hide and regroup. However, her retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when she discovers she’s not alone—someone she once trusted has betrayed her, and she must fight for her survival against a relentless, unseen enemy.

The film blends elements of a survival thriller, a cat-and-mouse game, and a dark comedy, but its disjointed storytelling and underdeveloped characters prevent it from fully realizing its potential. The climax, while intense, is marred by plot holes and a resolution that feels rushed and unsatisfying.

🌟 Key Themes and Analysis

The Cost of Fame and Privacy Trust delves into the horrors of invaded privacy, particularly for women and child stars in the public eye. Lauren’s ordeal highlights the vulnerability of celebrities in the digital age, where personal boundaries are easily violated, and public perception can turn toxic overnight. The film’s exploration of this theme is timely and relevant, but it’s undermined by a lack of depth and nuance.

Betrayal and Survival The central conflict revolves around Lauren’s struggle to trust anyone, including those closest to her. The film’s title, Trust, is ironic, as the story repeatedly underscores how easily trust can be broken—both in personal relationships and in the broader context of public trust in media and institutions. However, the execution of this theme feels heavy-handed and uneven.

Female Empowerment and Vulnerability Lauren’s journey from victim to survivor is meant to be empowering, but her character often comes across as inconsistent and underwritten. The film attempts to address the unique challenges faced by women in Hollywood, but its portrayal of Lauren’s trauma and resilience lacks the emotional weight needed to make her story truly compelling.

Satire and Social Commentary Trust occasionally veers into dark comedy, satirizing the absurdity of celebrity culture and the media’s obsession with scandal. While these moments provide some levity, they also contribute to the film’s tonal inconsistency, making it difficult to take the story seriously at times.

🎭 Performances and Direction
Sophie Turner delivers a mixed performance as Lauren Lane. While she captures the character’s desperation and paranoia, her portrayal often feels uneven, swinging between vulnerability and over-the-top hysteria. Katey Sagal, in a supporting role, stands out as one of the film’s highlights, bringing gravitas and emotional depth to her scenes. The rest of the cast, including Rhys Coiro and Billy Campbell, is largely underutilized, with many characters feeling more like plot devices than fully realized individuals.
Carlson Young’s direction is ambitious but inconsistent. The film’s pacing is uneven, with some sequences—particularly those focused on Lauren’s survival—feeling tense and engaging, while others drag or fall flat. The script, written by Gigi Levangie, is filled with clunky dialogue and plot holes, which further detract from the film’s impact.
⚠️ Criticisms and Strengths
Strengths:
- Timely Themes: The film’s exploration of privacy, celebrity, and betrayal is relevant and thought-provoking, even if not fully realized.
- Katey Sagal’s Performance: Sagal’s presence adds weight and authenticity to the story, elevating the material whenever she’s on screen.
- Atmospheric Setting: The remote cabin and its isolated surroundings create a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances the thriller elements.
Criticisms:
- Unfocused Narrative: The film struggles to balance its multiple genres—thriller, dark comedy, and survival drama—resulting in a disjointed and confusing experience.
- Weak Character Development: Lauren’s motivations and backstory are poorly explored, making it difficult to fully invest in her journey.
- Predictable Plot: The story’s twists and turns are telegraphed, and the resolution feels rushed and unsatisfying.
- Poor Dialogue: The script is filled with clunky, unnatural dialogue that undermines the film’s tension and emotional impact.
💡 Interesting Facts
- Trust was directed by Carlson Young, who began her career as a Disney Channel actress before transitioning to directing.
- The film was written by Gigi Levangie, a veteran Hollywood screenwriter known for her work on projects like The Starter Wife and Beaches.
- Sophie Turner, best known for her role in Game of Thrones, took on the lead role as a way to explore the darker side of fame and public scrutiny.
- The film’s release date, August 22, 2025, was chosen to coincide with the height of summer thriller season.
🎬 Legacy and Verdict
Trust (2025) is a missed opportunity—a film with a compelling premise and timely themes that ultimately fails to deliver. While it offers moments of tension and a few standout performances, its weak script, uneven direction, and lack of originality prevent it from standing out in the crowded thriller genre. Fans of Sophie Turner or Katey Sagal may find enough to enjoy, but the film is unlikely to leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking exploration of fame and privacy, Trust might disappoint, but if you’re in the mood for a flawed but occasionally entertaining thriller, it’s worth a watch.