Watch The Good Liar

The Good Liar is a 2019 British thriller film starring the legendary actors Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. The plot of the film revolves around Roy Courtnay, a seasoned con artist played by McKellen, who sets his sights on Betty McLeish, a wealthy widow played by Mirren, who meets her through an online dating site. As their relationship progresses, Roy's deception becomes more and more tangled, leading to an unexpected twist and turn of events.

The movie has a very slow burn and takes time to establish the characters and their backstories. The first half of The Good Liar is spent building up the relationship between Roy and Betty, with Betty being the perfect target for Roy's scam. The film shows how Roy uses his charm and wit to slowly gain Betty's trust and portray himself as a genuine gentleman interested in a real relationship.

As the story progresses, the film reveals both Roy and Betty's past, which is critical to understanding the motives and actions of the characters. While Roy is shown as a suave and sophisticated conman who has planned every step of his actions, Betty is depicted as a facile, vulnerable character searching for companionship and excitement in her life. Together, they make for an unlikely pair whose relationship is filled with intrigue and deception.

The second half of the film touches upon some underlying themes like revenge, redemption, and guilt, which are essential to the overall plot. The movie takes a turn, and the audience is left on the edge of their seats with a few unexpected twists and turns. At this point, it becomes clear that the storyline has been crafted very deliberately, and the movie's pace begins to pick up.

What makes The Good Liar stand out is the brilliant performances from the two main leads, Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. As Roy, Ian McKellen delivers a masterful performance, portraying a character with just the right amount of charm, wit, and villainy, while Helen Mirren shines as Betty, portraying a character torn between trust and suspicion. Russell Tovey, who plays Betty's grandson, also delivers a solid performance, with his character playing a critical role in the film's exciting climax.

Overall, The Good Liar is a well-crafted thriller with a unique and intriguing setup that keeps the audience engaged until the final moments. The film explores the themes of love, deceit, and revenge, with a pace that gradually builds up to a thrilling climax that will leave the audience wanting more. With its brilliant cast, gripping story, and taut direction, The Good Liar is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good thriller.

The Good Liar is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 55.