Watch The Lie

The Lie, a drama film that premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, follows the story of two parents who cover up a murder committed by their daughter. Directed by Joshua Leonard and starring Jess Weixler, Kelli Garner, and the director himself, Joshua Leonard, the movie explores the intricacies of deceit, guilt, and morality.

The plot centers on Jay (Leonard) and Rebecca (Weixler), a couple that separates due to irreconcilable differences. They share custody of their daughter, Kayla (played by the talented child actress, Ava Acres), who has a penchant for lying. One day, Jay agrees to take Kayla to dance camp but, en route, he accidentally hits a cyclist with his car. Despite the victim's desperate pleas for medical attention, Jay and Rebecca decide to cover up the accident and tell Kayla to lie, claiming that they were running late for camp and didn't see the cyclist.

As the story unfolds, tensions rise, and the couple's initial deception spirals out of control. The guilt and paranoia of the parents isolate them from their friends and family, leading to the eventual exposure of their lie. The Lie is a slow-burning movie that delves into the psychology of human relationships, the impact of a traumatic event, and the weight of moral ambiguity.

Filmed in a low-budget style, The Lie relies on the exceptional performances of the cast to convey the tension and turmoil of the story. Jess Weixler shines as Rebecca, portraying a woman living a double life, struggling to maintain the illusion of normalcy while harboring a deep-seated guilt. Joshua Leonard, who is best known for his role in The Blair Witch Project, delivers a nuanced performance as Jay, a man torn between his loyalty to his daughter and his conscience.

The Lie is a film about the fragility of truth and the devastating consequences of lying. It explores the questions of whether covering up a lie is ever justified and whether one can escape the consequences of their actions. Despite the heavy themes, the movie contains moments of humor and lightheartedness, particularly in the scenes that depict the interactions between Jay and his eccentric co-worker.

Overall, The Lie is a thought-provoking movie that challenges the viewer's morality and ethics. It portrays the complexity of human relationships, the consequences of dishonesty, and the power of guilt. The film's ending leaves a lasting impact and will leave viewers questioning the concepts of truth and consequence long after the credits have rolled.

The Lie is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1 and a MetaScore of 59.