Lies We Tell is a 2023 Irish gothic thriller film, directed by Lisa Mulcahy and written by Elisabeth Gooch, based on the novel by Sheridan Le Fanu. It stars Agnes O'Casey, David Wilmot, Chris Walley, and Holly Sturton. It premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2023, before being released throughout Ireland later that year.
Synopsis An orphaned heiress is forced to embrace her family's dark legacy.
Cast
Reception
Leslie Felperin of The Guardian gave the film 4/5 stars, and praised the acting, particularly Agnes O'Casey whose "delivery was as sharp as a steak knife". Fionnuala Halligan of Screen Daily agreed, stating O'Casey's performance "gives this pretty period piece a serrated edge". Kevin Harley of Radio Times calls her performance "a compelling take on the Victorian heroine".
June Butler of Film Ireland said writer Elisabeth Gooch adapted Sheridan Le Fanu's novel (Uncle Silas) with "panache and confidence". Julian Roman of MovieWeb said director Lisa Mulcahy did "a banner job" helming the film. Graeme Tuckett of The Post also praised the "acerbic writing" and lauded actor David Wilmot for "walking the line between 'boo-hiss' villainy and something more nuanced/human" in his acclaimed performance.
Donald Clarke of The Irish Times had one bit of criticism, in that he felt the film was "brighter and bolder than would best suit the material. Paul Whitington of the Irish Independent critiqued the film's ending as "a little rushed and not entirely coherent, but…Mulcahy nicely sustains the gothic tension".
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