Available to rent and buy on digital video-on-demand platforms in the UK is the biographical music drama, Girl You Know It’s True. Written and directed by Simon Verhoeven, the film stars Tijan Njie, Elan Ben Ali, and Matthias Schweighöfer and tells the story of German R&B duo, Milli Vanilli.
Based on a true story (and yes, we all get the irony here), the film charts the highs and lows of the iconic act who were highly successful at the tail end of the 1980s. The movie covers the formation of the group, their rise to the top of the charts, and their abrupt end once a very significant secret was exposed.
You see, for those unfamiliar with Milli Vanilli (aka Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan) the group did NOT sing their own songs. Created by German record producer Frank Farian, the duo were instead lip-sync performers who managed to convince the world they were the real deal.
These days no one would bat an eyelid at the idea of pop stars lip-syncing their way through a career, but back during the ‘80s it was a big deal. So much so, that Milli Vanilli is now more famous for the lie than the songs they released, and sadly this is their legacy.
However, it’s fair to say the lie, the songs, the legacy, and Rob and Fab themselves all make for a fascinating story and one which is well handled in Simon Verhoeven’s film. Girl You Know It’s True is a captivating and eye-opening tale, which is loaded with big ideas, big dreams, and big hair.
If you love everything 1980s, then chances are you’ll love Girl You Know It’s True. Not only does the film offer up a tale which could only have happened during this time, but Verhoeven perfectly recaptures the look and feel of the decade.
From the sounds, the setting, and the staging, to the clothes, hair, and make-up, the picture offers up a great slice of the past. It delves into the lives of Rob and Fab, brings all their Lycra-clad gyrating to the forefront, and does so in a largely playful manner.
While Girl You Know It’s True is a drama, rather than a documentary about the group, it does occasionally blur the lines for a bit of fun. Characters break the fourth wall to speak to the audience, setting the tone for the picture accordingly.
The lead cast are excellent, with Tijan Njie and Elan Ben Ali embodying Rob and Fab very well, while Matthias Schweighöfer is superb as record producer Frank Farian. The trio are at the centre of this tale, and all sell the heck out of their parts to keep the audience invested.
Throw in some era-specific tunes, an emotional ending, and some recognition for the actual singers behind the songs, and Girl You Known It’s True hits just right. Whether you were a fan of Milli Vanilli or not, this is an exceptional story and one which is brought to the screen with the right care and attention.
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