Watch Separate Lies

"Separate Lies" is a British drama film released in 2005, directed by Julian Fellowes and starring Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, and Hermione Norris. The movie is based on the novel "A Way Through the Wood" by Nina Bawden. The story follows James Manning (Tom Wilkinson), a wealthy corporate lawyer living in the idyllic countryside of England with his wife Anne (Emily Watson). Manning's seemingly perfect life is disrupted when the couple's gardener's wife, who is also James' mistress, is killed in a hit-and-run accident. As the police launch an investigation into the incident, a web of secrets and lies begins to unravel, exposing the characters' true natures.

The film examines the consequences of infidelity, betrayal, and greed, as well as the complexities of human relationships. James' guilt over his illicit affair and his attempts to keep it hidden from his wife drives him to make decisions that threaten his marriage, his reputation, and his future.

As the investigation progresses, Anne becomes more and more involved in the case, and her doubts about her husband's honesty begin to mount. She enlists the help of Bill Bule (Rupert Everett), a detective investigating the accident, to uncover the truth.

The film is known for its strong performances, particularly by Watson and Wilkinson, as they navigate the emotional depth and complexity of their characters. Hermione Norris also delivers a noteworthy performance as the couple's neighbor and friend, who serves as a foil to the couple's troubled marriage.

Fellowes' directorial style is understated, which allows the actors and the storyline to take center stage. The lush setting of the English countryside also plays a significant role, providing a striking contrast to the internal turmoil of the film's characters.

Overall, "Separate Lies" is an engrossing and thought-provoking drama, exploring the limitations of love, the damage that secrets can cause, and the lengths that people will go to protect themselves and their reputations. It is a slow-burning film that rewards careful attention, and is a must-see for fans of character-driven narratives.

Separate Lies is a 2005 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 71.