Lies We Tell

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2:19

Lies We Tell

2023

1h 29m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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100%

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15 Reviews

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Fewer than 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.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

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

Rated: 3/5

Oct 13, 2023

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

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.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 11, 2023

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Fionnuala Halligan

Screen International

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

Jul 19, 2023

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Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

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

Rated: 4/5

May 21, 2025

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Kevin Harley

Radio Times

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

Rated: 4/5

Jan 30, 2025

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

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...

Sep 17, 2024

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Cheryl S

From some of the reviews I was hesitant to watch this because I wasn’t sure if this was the type of movie that would appeal to me. I shy away from movies that have ‘horror’ as a genre, though it also said drama. I took a chance because I like the time period with the props and dialect. It didn’t disappoint in that regard. Good acting, in fact good enough to make me feel I was a witness in the same rooms with them watching everything transpire from a Victorian chair in the corner. That’s how much I got captivated by what was going to happen next. There was a point I actually thought I might not want to continue. It got emotionally gripping for me and I wasn’t sure how far they were going to take the story line. I was on the edge of my seat in a couple of scenes. It was gripping and I had already invested time in watching so I went on. Glad I did.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

Full Review

Michael B

The settings, costumes and overall Victorian mood are impeccable. The acting is superb. One of the best movies I've seen in awhile. Agnes O Casey is perfect and her performance nuanced enough to keep one guessing. Loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/06/25

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Zara C

I watched this with no expectations but loved it. The setting, the score, the story, and the acting all came together beautifully.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/16/25

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Gaylord R

This must be one of the best movies ever made in the Hitchcockian style: superb writing, exceptional photography, outstanding acting, just perfect.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

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Joel P

Period piece in the same vein as “Lady MacBeth”. I liked it and I hate everything.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

Full Review

Malachi B

Mixed bag. Decent performance, fairly tense and very uncomfortable. Some great cinematography and certain shots were very striking, however generally the movie looked bland and dull. Not all the characters felt necessary and developed and I wished the battle of wits was done a bit better. Enjoyed 👍

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/16/23

Full Review

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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

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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

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