Trust (2018) User Reviews (73)

One of the finest series

[malaway · 9/10 · 19 March 2020]

This series is so good, the casting, acting, music and the storytelling in general is so engaging.

For once there is a series with no silly or unnecessary "side-plots", these 10 episodes are packed with quality and there are no dull moments - I was entertained for every second.

If you don't know about the Getty family and the events in this series, I recommend that you do not read up on them until AFTER you've watched all 10 episodes. You're in for a ride!

Sutherland greatness

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 12 April 2021]

It's 1973. John Paul Getty (Donald Sutherland) rules his family and oil business empire with an iron fist. His guests have to use the payphone inside his home. When his son George kills himself in Hollywood, he squashes any suggestions of a suicide in the family. Every one of his children is a disappointment to him. He pits his family and his live-in mistresses against each other. His free-spirited 16 year old grandson J. Paul Getty III shows up at the family English compound for George's funeral. The grandfather is taken with his relatively smart grandson and installs him as his heir apparent. While they clash over his need for cash, they do bond over their womanizing ways. The boy's estranged father outs his hard partying ways and the grandfather disowns him. Back in Rome, the grandson is kidnapped by criminals for ransom. Gail Getty (Hilary Swank) is the kid's desperate mother. James Fletcher Chace (Brendan Fraser) is the Getty cowboy investigator.

Sutherland is superb. This is fun. It's rich people dysfunction and it's a kidnapping caper. It's a lot of great stuff. There was supposed to be a second season but I don't think we're getting it at this point. That's fine. This show is half acting and half story. I'm sure they could come up with a similar level of story but it was going to be hard to do this without Sutherland. As a limited series, this is a solid ten episodes.

Boyle totally kicks Scotts ass

[davidosullivan-1 · 9/10 · 17 May 2018]

I recently saw the Ridley Scott version of this story (you know, the one that does not have Kevin Spacey in it any more) and I just had to post and say, this just totally blows that out of the water.

That was a mediocre movie, not even beautiful, which is the least I'd expect from Ridley, but this is just fantastic, on every level.

The sheer charisma of this film-making is an utter joy to behold and evident across the direction, the performances, thumps out of the soundtrack, every part of this production is innovative, dazzling, fizzing.

My only slight, slight criticism is that the 4th wall breaking stuff from Brendan Fraser is too inconsistent and should have either been ditched or made much more of, more often. I guess they thought it was gonna be a big 'feature' when they were writing it and filming it, but then in the cutting room found they just had so much gold, they just didn't know what to do with it all!

Jump on the ride here, its fab and you wont regret it.

Impressive start

[Valentijn78 · 9/10 · 26 March 2018]

The first episode was a very well balanced blend of action, character development, humor, unpredictability and intensity. Also great scenery, and a nice incorporation of the culture of the 1970's.

I have absolutely no idea where this series is going, but it's easy to get invested in the characters - something that is often overlooked in new series.

Skip the big screen and indulge in this, instead

[helenahandbasket-93734 · 10/10 · 26 March 2018]

From the very outset, this chilling portrait of a family in turmoil grabs the viewer by the throat and forces you to walk through the foray of penultimate storytelling at the hands of Beaufoy, beautifully crafted by the vision of Boyle.

From Sutherland's seething view of J Paul, to the brilliant characterization of Brendan Frazer, this series proves to be everything the big screen version couldn't live up to; riveting abridgment that seems intent to begin a slowburn with ample kindling and fierce fuel.

It's high time we acknowledge the ability of fabulous craftsmen to tell a vivid portrayal just as spectacularly on the small screen as that of the theater screen.

This looks to be a wild and entrancing ride that I very much look forward to viewing. My only regret is that this is not available for binging and we must endure a weekly wait for the next installment.

Good but far too long

[shanayneigh · 6/10 · 10 April 2019]

I watched this on Netflix, and although it wasn't a Netflix production it follows the Netflix formula: ten hour long episodes per season. There was no need for this to be ten hours long. There was enough story to fill three, maybe four, episodes. The first couple of episodes were quite good. But then, true to the Netflix formula, there is an extraordinary amount of filler, like the butler storyline and one episode is spent almost exclusively on covering the confirmation of the son of one of the kidnappers.

I am sick and tired of the "slow burn" fad. Making something progress slowly does not automatically make it good.

That said, the acting is good, especially Sutherland and Brendan Fraser. Nice to see that he's back in the game. My main gripe is that the actor playing the main character, who is supposed to be 16 years old, looks far too old, like he's in his mid 20's.

If you have ten hours to spare, this is a good series to watch. Although I recommend having the fast forward button at the ready.

On a side note, one of the locations in the movie is the restaurant Sabatini in Trastevere, Rome. Whatever you do, do NOT go to that restaurant. They are famous for scamming tourists by adding "service" charges printed with minimal letters hidden away in the menu. Wildly expensive and garbage quality, a true tourist trap.

BINGE-WORTHY, Great Acting

[jonmurdock · 8/10 · 26 February 2019]

Every episode reminds you that the dialogue is well, pretty much fact - but I have a hard time not believing the show took extreme liberties with the facts. That said, I definitely enjoyed the series very much. It's one of those, "OK just one more...OK just one more then I'm going to bed. OK just one more..." things that keeps you up too late. Donald Sutherland is GREAT as J. Paul Getty and even resembles the original JPG. I'm going to give Donald a .362 score as related in baseball batting averages for the entire season. The next heavy hitter is Brendan Fraser as the likable Fletcher Chace, with a BA of .340 and a lot of dingers. Luca Marinelli as Primo is a SOLID 3rd baseman with a strong arm hitting .309 with zeero errors. Fine actor. Silas Carson as the butler is impeccable, a .325 hitter and an errorless season. Harris Dickinenson as JPG III was a touted first round pick but ended up hitting .234 with too many strikeouts. Much of the show takes place in Italy, where they speak Italian - so I read what they were saying. I'd say the whole Italian cast did a fantastic job, most outstanding - Primo - see above. Beautifully filmed, most scenes take place at The Mansion or in Italy. Watch it, you will like.

Good Pilot, hope they can keep it up

[webwizardbe · 7/10 · 1 April 2018]

I saw the movie, so I had some hesitations before giving this serie a chance. But I was pleasantly surprised. Of course they spiced it up a little, so you get a mix of something inspired on true events and a juicy family soap. If the level of production doesn't crumble (like American crime story) the following episodes, I'm in for a nice season.

Great! Much better than the movie.

[pcarlssons-32546 · 10/10 · 28 March 2018]

This series started with amazing camera work, and continued very strong the whole first episode. It's interesting to compare it to the movie - and the series are better in every way. Better music, better acting, better directing, better everything. This proves once again that cable and pay TV have surpassed the movies when it comes to storytelling. It's also interesting to see how fluid and entertaining Danny Boyle tells the story compared to RidleyScotts boring directing and telling of the story in the movie. This series is really promising, and after one episode it has already set the sights very high. Looking forward to the rest.

Napoli - an Dynamite.

[southdavid · 7/10 · 25 April 2019]

I approached "Trust" with some trepidation. I let it set on the Sky Box for months, having recorded it in the summer of 2018 but not actually coming round to watching it until Easter 2019. Most of the trepidation came because I'd seen some lukewarm reviews and I had seen "All The Money In The World" that year, so was already familiar with the story. I'm glad I gave it a chance though, as with a bit of distance from the film, I found the series pretty enjoyable.

The grandson of the world's Richest Man, John-Paul Getty (Donald Sutherland) is kidnapped in Italy, but his kidnappers have not accounted for the ruthlessness of the old man, who refuses to pay the ransom. Whilst young John III's mother Gail (Hilary Swank) and Getty's "fixer" Fletcher (Brendan Fraser) attempt to determine what's happened, and even whether the kidnapping is genuine, the Italians that have him are becoming increasingly frustrated and desperate.

I think I preferred "Trust" to "All The Money In the World" as the 10 episode scope allowed for a much more detailed look at the case. A deeper investigation of the family dynamics ahead of the kidnapping and a closer look at the mechanics of the crime family that held their valuable hostage are a couple of the deeper cuts. I did worry ahead of watching the series that it would be pretty dry, but it's infused with a sense of pace, and is very well mixed with the editing and cutting in of music of the time. Performances are, across the board, excellent and much credit should go to Harris Dickinson, who is the only actor in every episode, playing John-Paul Getty III, the victim of the kidnapping. Despite his early bohemian wastrel ways, you never lose feelings for him and feel some of the peril he goes through.

It does take one huge risk, allowing Brendan Fraser's character to directly address the audience during two of the episodes. What might be jarring switch actually works quite well, as it allows to show to unload a lot of the context, and the wider resolution on you, without becoming to tiresome or protracted.

Maybe it's just that my expectations were particularly low, but I really enjoyed "Trust" - an unexpected treat.

Money can't buy happiness...but if you are billionaire J P Getty the sex is unlimited

[Ed-Shullivan · 9/10 · 26 March 2018]

This is a tragic but true story surrounding THE most wealthiest family in the entire world. J. Paul Getty during the 1970's WAS THE richest man in the entire world and he was portrayed in this biography by esteemed actor Donald Sutherland who bares an uncanny resemblance to the real J. Paul Getty.

The first episode titled, The House of Getty, focuses on the death by drugs and by harakiri suicide of J. Paul Getty's eldest son George. The aftermath of the suicide represents what this dysfunctional families inherent wealth and power breeds. After the funeral J. Paul Getty is witnessed alone in his room berating his remaining heirs that are his other four (4) sons, three (3) of which are simultaneously hiding in one of their fathers mansions bathrooms sharing a cigarette and talking negatively about why none of them want to accept the responsibilities that their now deceased brother George once held.

It is during the aftermath of George Getty's funeral that a dishevelled and inappropriately dressed teenager named John Paul Getty III shows up at his grandfather's mansion with a plan in mind to either request or steal sufficient funds from his grandfather that would allow him to return to Rome and continue partying which is where he most recently was residing and enjoying his young life.

Donald Sutherland's portrayal of J. Paul Getty the richest man in the world is electrifying and one of a man who lived and shared money like a miser would, with no friends, far too many ex-wives, five (5) sons and a harem of mistresses who reside in his mansion and are available to him on his beckon call 24 hours per day and night. The opening episode is far from the over the top opulence and skulduggery of such former TV series such as Dallas, Dynasty and Flamingo Road. Instead, we are witnesses to a Getty family and his servants and mistresses that are all fearful of the man at the very top and who tend to walk on eggshells around him, cautious not to say the wrong thing in his presence.

I was very impressed with this opening episode and I am looking forward to seeing in future episodes of this Tv mini-series how J. Paul Getty reacts to the news of his grandson's presumed kidnapping in Rome.

keep your finger on the fast forward button

[ant-con · 7/10 · 7 February 2019]

Just finished binge watching all 10 episode ( over two nights) Like many of my fellow IMDb reviewers, I felt it was a fairly decent retelling of the Getty kidnapping and aftermath and just like many here, I too felt it could have been wrap up in 6 episodes or less. In other words, if you've got around 15 hours to kill, give "Trust" a shot. You could always do worse

It's ok at first, then it drags its feet.

[woollyfuller · 5/10 · 13 September 2018]

It looks like Danny Boyle, sounds like Danny Boyle. But, that's where it ends.

The story is not Danny Boyle and is stretched beyond belief. This story could have been easily nailed in 3 parts, instead we have 10 episodes of which at least 5 are pointless and it doesn't end there!!!

Not as good as the film, which managed to condense this story into 2hrs.

Great performance

[dplolissima · 9/10 · 16 May 2018]

Donald Sutherland delivers a wonderful characterization. Like it more than the movies

Really, Donald Sutherland!

[wvfempwolford · 10/10 · 4 May 2022]

He is superb in this portrayal of Getty. I don't know if he won an award, but his performance is certainly award worthy. I also don't know how accurate the events are portrayed. But definitely compelling watching.

Amazed by IMDb reviewers

[brkic-ja · 8 July 2018]

I have to say that I'm so amused by the not negligible number of reviewers here on IMDb, who dare to give 10/10 to some series based on the first episode (or couple of them). And compares it with this and that. It just shows superficiality and sallowness of today's world and IMDb as well. IMDb should save minimum dignity and disqualify such reviewers because their opinion is basically based on nothing. Regards!

A convincing (but lengthy) telling of a weird true story

[paul2001sw-1 · 7/10 · 21 October 2018]

Jean Paul Getty was spectactularly rich, and spectacularly mean. Unable to obain any money from his grandfather by honest means, his grandson decided to arrange his own kidnap. Unfortunately for him, his co-conspirators decided it would be more profitable to do it for real. Would his family pay the ransom? Not if they could help it! The story is reconstructed in 'Trust', with Donald Sutherland playing the old man. Much of the story is set in Italy, and the series doesn't shy away from keeping the dialogue Italian wherever that is appropriate. It also features a few tricksy features, characters talking to camera and split screens, although it's mostly played straight. Overall, I'm not completely certain the story merits a full 10 episodes: the characters are convincingly played, but one gets the idea long before the tale is told. It is a remarkable story, however, and one that may make one think one should be careful what one wishes for; whaever else their money bought the Gettys, happiness does not seem to have been among their rewards.

Brendan Fraser made this series for me

[artina_morton · 9/10 · 1 September 2022]

This series was artfully done, well directed and the acting was good throughout. Whole the series could've been shorter, it felt a bit drawn out, but it was also kind of incredible to see this story laid out so extensively. All in all I highly recommend it. I thought it was great. The show stealer for me was definitely Brendan Fraser as narrator in the role of Fletcher Chase. He was so good. Most definitely my favorite part of this. I've missed seeing him play leading roles. And now it won't let me post unless I've written 600 characters so here's the blah blah blah bs to meet that stupid rule. Whatever!!!!!!

Great cast Great acting

[csos · 6/10 · 18 October 2018]

But toooooo sloooooow. Far too much filling, especially from episodes 5 onwards. Terrific story and I loved all the acting - all first rate but it could have been told better in six episodes. The final episode was the slowest of all. I started off loving the show but lost interest halfway through when I was shouting at the screen Get On With It but it never did. I mean did they make Danny Boyle slow it down to fill 10 episodes. I suppose they did.

Very humane and realistic

[rainabosniac · 10/10 · 1 June 2018]

What I liked most about it was the raw and humane emotions shown trough out the ten episodes. I loved how they tried to capture the captor's lives as much as Paul's. The last episode was absolutely stunning. I loved the vague way it ended, how you had to "google" more if you were interested, but even if you just left the whole Getty story at the end of "Trust" it would still be very unique and amazing.

Harris Dickinson does such a good job playing JPGIII and Hilary Swank is amazing. I loved how they seemed to actually be the characters and all their complicated feelings actually felt genuine.

The fact that the series didn't have such a positive outlook on the whole kidnapping and especially on the consequences was what made me fall in love with this all over again.

The soundtrack was amazing, especially how they managed to incorporate two Pink Floyd songs in the first two episodes, which I generally think are songs, that are very hard to understand and not appropriate in every context.

The Finale -- SPOILERS

[SkyPowers · 7/10 · 9 April 2018]

Perhaps they heeded my advice about the non-linear editing? The last episodes were linear thank G. I agree with previous posts it was too long. Too arty self-indulgent. The euphemism is "Like watching a train wreck. Tragic but you just can't turn away." This miniseries was an exercise in masochism with sadism thrown in. So perhaps Rome was the ideal setting. Kudos to Sutherland, the rock that held this together. Few characters I've seen engendered more hate in me, knowing he was portraying such an evil person who actually existed. No wonder the kid was F-ed up. Swank was fantastic as the alarmed loving mother. At the end of the final teaser I was tempted to see if he really died or not. Yay! Getty senior finally admits he was wrong! I did get emotional in the final scene during that sustained rapturous hug. So raising my rating from 5 to 7 since the non-linear editing was only abusive in that one episode.

Great acting! great music! the best of the year

[capitanblusero · 10/10 · 29 October 2018]

I have been looking for a series that could make me stay plugged in and did not want to stop watching. This is ir!! It is the best show of the year. Definitely. Donald Sutherland males a great pwrformance doing Paul Getty. It is superb. 10/10. The series has a great story and great music. It has everything to go for an Emmy award. Do not miss it. Worth watching.

It has potential

[makloodiaz · 7/10 · 22 November 2018]

The show has been done with a worked production, in which the story flows with good rhythm and a ironic sense of humour. crazy environment in england is underlined when you discover it is based in real facts. interesting to watch, and it doesn't make the mistake to elongate the plot just to make more audience.

Too long

[lindab_29 · 3/10 · 15 May 2018]

This series could be cut in half and still be too long. I wonder how true it is too.

Riveting Television

[timcurryisgod · 10/10 · 2 April 2022]

Sutherland plays the patriarch of the Getty family during the tumultuous early 1970's when his grandson was kidnapped.

So much context is provided to tell the story, it's really enjoyable. Hillary Swank gives a memorable performance as the mother of the kidnapped Paul Getty III.

The production is lavish. Set mostly against the backdrop of beautiful southern Italy, where the economic turmoil is ever present in the lives of the peasants and townspeople who live there. This also helps the viewer understand why the locals would go to such extremes to acquire money.

This series exposes the greed and ruthlessness of the Getty empire. And by the way, Brendan Fraser delivers an unforgettable performance throughout. Just perfect. What an amazing actor.