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The Tale

Play trailer 1:34 Poster for The Tale 2018 1h 54m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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99% Tomatometer 81 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Jennifer has it all, with a loving boyfriend and a great career as a journalist and professor. But when her mother discovers a story - The Tale - that Jennifer wrote when she was 13, detailing a special relationship Jennifer had with two adult coaches, Jennifer returns to the Carolina horse farm where the events transpired to try to reconcile her version of events with the truth.
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The Tale

The Tale

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Critics Consensus

The Tale handles its extraordinarily challenging subject matter with sensitivity, grace, and the power of some standout performances led by a remarkable Laura Dern.

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Critics Reviews

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Hannah Strong Little White Lies Jennifer Fox's autobiographical debut makes for harrowing but essential viewing. Dec 19, 2018 Full Review Robert Daniels 812filmreviews For Fox, and for all of us, The Tale is a spot in time worth finding. Rated: 3/4 Aug 27, 2018 Full Review Verne Gay Newsday Jenny's reluctance to stare down the horror gives "The Tale" an ineluctable psychological power. Aug 23, 2018 Full Review Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope Laura Dern, Common, Isabelle Nélisse, Burstyn, Debicki and Ritter all give strong, convincing, performances in this film, creating these strong relationships between these diverse characters. This is a powerful drama, well written, directed and acted. Rated: A Feb 18, 2023 Full Review Taylor Baker Drink in the Movies ...that she will always be damaged and telling herself a story to cope. Rated: 78/100 Aug 22, 2021 Full Review Milana Vujkov Lola On Film On how abuse comes not in the guise of the obviously monstrous, but through the beautiful, deceitful object of affection. Rated: 4/5 Jul 29, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Anne G It’s hard to watch, but it must be watched: the moments of disturbance and how the victim tries inconsistently to hide what happened to her. It’s sad, but sadly a reality. The Tale portrays this with honesty and courage, leaving the viewer shaken but deeply aware. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/19/25 Full Review C G. Hard watch but a must watch Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/13/25 Full Review Alain E Some movies are unloved by the critics like the recent Alto Knights and other like this wannabe serious movie get 99% approval. Soon after the opening scene we see the adult protagonist having sex wearing a bra! You don’t want to show the breasts of an actress is understandable, but showing adults having sex wearing underwear is ridiculous. Then the actress chosen to represent Laura Dern as adolescent has no resemblance. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 07/06/25 Full Review Irene R Unflinching account of a young girls past. Difficult watch at times. Laura Dern is phenomenal. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/29/25 Full Review Steve D I am not crazy about the structure but the cast does great work. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/07/24 Full Review Eric L Zero wasn't an option. Slow and boring. Skip the first 40 minutes and it might be good, that's about how long I lasted. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 12/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Tale

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Movie Info

Synopsis Jennifer has it all, with a loving boyfriend and a great career as a journalist and professor. But when her mother discovers a story - The Tale - that Jennifer wrote when she was 13, detailing a special relationship Jennifer had with two adult coaches, Jennifer returns to the Carolina horse farm where the events transpired to try to reconcile her version of events with the truth.
Director
Jennifer Fox
Producer
Laura Rister, Jennifer Fox, Sol Bondy, Lawrence Inglee, Mynette Louie, Oren Moverman, Simone Pero, Regina K. Scully
Screenwriter
Jennifer Fox
Production Co
Blackbird Films, Untitled Entertainment, Gamechanger Films, One Two Films
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
May 27, 2018
Runtime
1h 54m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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