Watch Tell Tale
- R
- 2010
- 1 hr 32 min
-
5.4 (5,295)
In the mysterious thriller film Tell Tale, Josh Lucas plays Terry Bernard, a single father whose life is turned upside down when he receives a heart transplant. The surgery goes well, but Terry begins to experience strange and unsettling visions afterwards. As he tries to make sense of what's happening to him, Terry begins to piece together the story of his heart's former owner - a talented artist named Gavin (played by Michael K. Williams). Gavin's life ended tragically, and Terry soon realizes that his visions are clues to a dark and dangerous conspiracy involving Gavin's art and the people who wanted it destroyed.
Lena Headey co-stars as Dana, a private investigator hired by Terry to help him uncover the truth about his new heart. Together, they navigate a labyrinthine web of lies and deceit, encountering dangerous enemies and unexpected allies along the way.
Brian Cox also appears in a supporting role as the mysterious and enigmatic Dr. Harper, who seems to have an unconventional interest in Terry's case. As Terry gets closer to the truth, he realizes that his life and the lives of his loved ones are in grave danger.
Director Michael Cuesta (of Homeland and Dexter fame) weaves a tense and atmospheric tale of mystery and intrigue, keeping the audience guessing until the shocking climax. The script, by Dave Callaham, is a clever blend of science fiction, horror, and neo-noir elements, with strong characterizations and an emotional core that elevates the plot beyond mere plot twists.
The performances of the central trio are all excellent, with Lucas bringing a wounded vulnerability to the role of Terry, Headey imbuing Dana with a steely determination, and Cox exuding a menacing charm as Dr. Harper. Supporting actors such as Ulrich Thomsen and Pablo Schreiber also make memorable impressions in smaller roles.
The film's visual style is also noteworthy, with Cuesta employing creative and effective use of flashbacks, dream sequences, and jump scares. The cinematography, by Tak Fujimoto, is moody and evocative, capturing both the gritty realism of the present-day setting and the haunting beauty of Gavin's art.
At its core, Tell Tale is a story about identity and the search for meaning. It raises provocative questions about the nature of consciousness, memory, and morality, while never losing sight of the human drama at its center. It's a thrilling and thought-provoking ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Tell Tale is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.