Lies We Tell (2018)

Lies We Tell Poster

A trusted driver must deal with his dead boss's Muslim mistress, her dark past pulling him into a life-and-death showdown with her notorious gangster cousin/ex-husband.

Film Summary
"Lies We Tell" is a 2018 British crime thriller film directed by Mitu Misra, starring Gabriel Byrne, Sibylla Deen, and Mark Addy. The plot unfolds in a world of crime-ridden Bradford, where honor, culture, and commitment clash.

Introduction and Plot Development
The story starts with the death of rich business person Demi, played by Harvey Keitel, who lived a life filled with secrets, including a mistress, Amber (Sibylla Deen). After his death, his relied on chauffeur, Donald (Gabriel Byrne), is entrusted with handling Demi's private affairs. Donald stumbles upon Amber, Demi's secret Muslim girlfriend whom he must eliminate from Demi's home, and he consequently gets entwined in her dangerous scenario.

Amber has her own hidden aspirations and her relationship with KD (Jan Uddin), a strong-minded criminal with political aspirations, who desire her as his partner. She sees Donald as her way out of in this web of male dominance and seeks his help in her efforts to escape from the crime-infested world she is knotted in.

Main Characters and Performances
Gabriel Byrne, as Donald, provides a strong efficiency as a male who fights to do the right thing despite life's trials and tribulations. Sibylla Deen, as Amber, skillfully depicts a strong female in a male-dominated society making every effort to escape her overbearing circumstances. Despite being a victim, she keeps control of her own life and fights for independence.

Styles and Messages
While "Lies We Tell" is couched in the category of a crime thriller, the film delves into much deeper societal concerns such as gender and cultural exploitation along with the contrasting worlds of the disadvantaged and wealthy. It illustrates the gritty truths of life in the demimonde of Bradford, exposing corruption and violence in the backdrop of political gangsterism.

The movie also showcases gender variation and the struggle for ladies's autonomy in a male-dominated society. It questions the customs and cultural standards, highlighting Sibylla's character's struggles against cultural restrictions and expectations.

Final Act and Conclusion
Donald's journey concludes with a climactic face-off involving Amber, KD, and a raucous political rally. Despite its grim topic and intense circumstances, the movie concludes on a hopeful note, with Amber and Donald finding some form of solace and justice in their tormented lives.

Crucial Reception
"Lies We Tell" amassed combined evaluations, with critics talking about its powerful efficiencies and depiction of cultural and societal issues, while noting its extreme and sometimes disorderly plotline. In spite of the criticisms, the movie can't be denied for the layered complexities of its characters and the prevalent styles that resonate commonly across social norms.

To sum up, "Lies We Tell" is a criminal activity thriller that checks out styles of commitment, honor, and societal structures. Its expedition of cultural norms and gender disparity sets it apart from other movies in the genre. The characters' intense ethical predicaments collectively contribute to an interesting and thought-provoking narrative with a gripping climax.

Top Cast

  • Gabriel Byrne (small)
    Gabriel Byrne
    Donald
  • Sibylla Deen (small)
    Sibylla Deen
    Amber
  • Mark Addy (small)
    Mark Addy
    Billy
  • Jan Uddin (small)
    Jan Uddin
    KD
  • Harvey Keitel (small)
    Harvey Keitel
    Demi
  • Reece Ritchie (small)
    Reece Ritchie
    Nathan
  • Gina McKee (small)
    Gina McKee
    Heather
  • Emily Atack (small)
    Emily Atack
    Tracy
  • Nicholas Farrell (small)
    Nicholas Farrell
    Anthony Quest
  • Harish Patel (small)
    Harish Patel
    Haji
  • Danica Johnson
    Miriam