The Good Liar is a 2019 crime thriller directed by Bill Condon, featuring Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren in a suspenseful tale of deception and hidden pasts. Based on Nicholas Searle’s novel, the film explores themes of trust, revenge, and the complexities of identity.

Set in 2009 London, the story follows Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen), an experienced con artist who targets Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren), a wealthy widow he meets online. As Roy ingratiates himself into Betty’s life, he plans to access her substantial savings. However, Betty harbors secrets of her own, leading to a series of revelations that challenge Roy’s assumptions and plans.

The Good Liar received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 63% approval rating based on 153 reviews, with an average rating of 6.13/10. The site’s consensus reads: “The Good Liar is less than the sum of its prestigious parts, but Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren keep the proceedings consistently watchable.”

Audience responses were generally positive, with CinemaScore assigning a grade of “B” and PostTrak reporting 4 out of 5 stars, with 56% of viewers stating they would definitely recommend the film. Critics praised the performances of McKellen and Mirren, noting their chemistry and skillful portrayal of complex characters. However, some reviews pointed out issues with the film’s pacing and plot twists. Peter Sobczynski of RogerEbert.com commented that while the film offers some diversions, it ultimately falls short of its potential.