Every con has a perfect plan — until the truth comes calling.
“The Good Liar (2019)” unfolds as an elegant thriller where appearances mask dangerous truths and trust can be a deadly weakness. Directed by Bill Condon, the film pairs acting titans Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren in a clever cat-and-mouse game filled with lies, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen) is a seasoned con man who’s spent a lifetime scamming wealthy marks. When he meets Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren), a wealthy widow he plans to swindle out of her fortune, he believes it will be the easiest con of his career. Charming, polite, and disarming, Roy begins weaving his web of deceit — but Betty might not be as naïve as she seems.
As Roy works his scheme, cracks begin to appear in Betty’s sweet exterior. Flashbacks hint at long-buried traumas and secrets from World War II, slowly revealing that Betty has motives of her own. The film morphs from a straightforward con story into a darker tale of revenge, guilt, and justice.
“The Good Liar” thrives on its powerhouse performances. McKellen shifts effortlessly from kindly gentleman to ruthless predator, while Mirren balances vulnerability and steely resolve. The tension builds with meticulous precision, culminating in a shocking third-act revelation that recasts everything that came before.
Visually elegant and filled with sharp dialogue, “The Good Liar (2019)” is a reminder that no one is ever exactly who they seem. It’s a thriller that delights in deception, proving that sometimes the most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves.
