Lies We Tell

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2:19

Lies We Tell

2023

1h 29m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Ireland, 1864. Newly-orphaned heiress MAUD RUTHYN becomes ward of her notorious uncle, SILAS RUTHYN. Maud, grief-struck and proud, rejects support from her two trustees, Dr. BRYERLY and CAPTAIN ILBURY, and welcomes Silas, his children EMILY and EDWARD, and governess MADAME to her isolated manor. But the arrival of Maud's estranged family is in fact a malign home invasion. Silas plans to secure her inheritance for himself, and compel Maud to forfeit her position by marrying her cousin Edward--or dying. Threatened, betrayed, and outnumbered by Silas and his allies, teenaged Maud now has to fight for her birthright. Instead of breaking her, the escalating danger sparks gambit after gambit against her charming, dangerous uncle---and a final, murderous showdown. A subversive take on J.S. Le Fanu's gothic sensation novel: our Maud is anything but a victim.

Donald Clarke

Irish Times

10/13/2023

3/5

The film feels brighter and bolder than would best suit the material. Happily, O’Casey’s strong presence offers much compensation.

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

10/11/2023

4/5

It insightfully reworks some classic feminist literary notions, filtered through a very 21st-century approach to period material with its unsettling score, jittery editing and nods to horror tropes.

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Fionnuala Halligan

Screen International

07/19/2023

A singular performance by young talent Agnes O’Casey in the lead role gives this pretty period piece a serrated edge.

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Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

05/21/2025

4/5

A smart and acerbic piece of writing, beautifully put together and performed.

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Kevin Harley

Radio Times

01/30/2025

4/5

O'Casey delivers a compelling twist on the Victorian heroine, projecting controlled survivalist instincts in every withering stare.

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

09/17/2024

Though it remains within the bounds of old-fashioned period melodrama, Lies We Tell is pretty strong stuff…maybe a little too strong for those who expect something comparatively cozy...

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Jovana M.

@J_loves_movies 3d

What a tragic family drama full of suspense! Great watch - Ending was quite satisfying.

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SUSAN Z

@rokitlady May 17

When I saw this short movie had a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, I was compelled to watch it. UGH! I don't understand how such a devious plot could run out of energy during the second half of the movie. Our heroine is orphaned by her father's death. but that leads her to become the captive victim of an unscrupulous Uncle (her father's brother) and his two obnoxious children and their Nanny. The larceny and greed that is thrust upon her is sickening. But, she seems to accept the poor treatment as if she deserves it. Until she doesn't.

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Henry D

@Henry_Domke May 14

An atmospheric period melodrama about an orphaned heiress trying to survive a greedy, evil uncle. The story was very black-and-white, with little subtlety, but the happy ending was pleasing even if it didn’t quite fit with everything that came before it.

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Kevin L

@Lakeman May 11

Decent enough. Good lead performance, but the rest were pretty dull. The veangeance was underwhelming as well. Certainly not like a Park Chan-wook joint. Lovely countryside views. The house looked impressive from the outside. Edward should've eaten it as well. 3.3 stars

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Kalissa H.

@kali_416 May 2

Slow. A hard watch at times because of the powerlessness of the main character.

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Debbie W.

@RT63355535 Apr 17

Lovely movie, but a bit underwhelming given the lavish praise. The pace slowed and the plot line became predictable.

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Lisa Mulcahy

Director

Agnes O'Casey

Maud

David Wilmot

Silas

Chris Walley

Edward

Holly Sturton

Emily

Grainne Keenan

Madame

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Lies We Tell: Trailer 1

2:19

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Synopsis

Ireland, 1864. Newly-orphaned heiress MAUD RUTHYN becomes ward of her notorious uncle, SILAS RUTHYN. Maud, grief-struck and proud, rejects support from her two trustees, Dr. BRYERLY and CAPTAIN ILBURY, and welcomes Silas, his children EMILY and EDWARD, and governess MADAME to her isolated manor. But the arrival of Maud's estranged family is in fact a malign home invasion. Silas plans to secure her inheritance for himself, and compel Maud to forfeit her position by marrying her cousin Edward--or dying. Threatened, betrayed, and outnumbered by Silas and his allies, teenaged Maud now has to fight for her birthright. Instead of breaking her, the escalating danger sparks gambit after gambit against her charming, dangerous uncle---and a final, murderous showdown. A subversive take on J.S. Le Fanu's gothic sensation novel: our Maud is anything but a victim.

Director: Lisa Mulcahy
Producer: Ruth Carter
Screenwriter: Elisabeth Gooch, Sheridan Le Fanu, Elisabeth Gooch
Distributor: Quiver Distribution
Production Co: Blue Ink Films, Fís Éireann/Screen
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 13, 2024
Runtime: 1h 29m
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1