Quite simply it's one of the most entertaining, most intelligent and most thoroughly satisfying commercial American films in a very long time.
– Vincent Canby,
New York Times,
30 Aug 2004
fresh:
True Confessions contains scenes that are just about as good as scenes can be. Then why does the movie leave us disoriented and disappointed, and why does the ending fail dismally?
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
23 Oct 2004
rotten:
Numerous vital characters are dropped and the case-solving stripped of its complexity, with the resulting film over-linear and one-dimensional.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
rotten:
Given the powerhouse topline casting combo and provocative theme, True Confessions has to be chalked up as something of a disappointment.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
26 Mar 2009
rotten:
Two exciting, dangerous actors have little to do: Duvall spends too much time pacing and waiting; De Niro's big scene has him hanging up his vestments.