The Lie is a dark, unsettling psychological thriller that explores how far parents will go to protect their child—and how quickly morality can unravel under pressure. Directed by Veena Sud, the film leans heavily on atmosphere and slow-building dread rather than traditional suspense or action.

Peter Sarsgaard and Mireille Enos deliver emotionally raw performances as parents caught in an impossible situation, while Joey King plays the troubled daughter with a mix of vulnerability and unsettling detachment. The cinematography is moody and cold, matching the film’s themes of isolation, guilt, and deception.

While the setup is gripping, the middle act drags a bit, with some repetitive scenes and questionable character choices that may test your patience. The film hinges on a major twist at the end, and while it’s shocking, some viewers might find it more frustrating than satisfying—especially given how much hinges on it.

Still, The Lie succeeds as a character study more than a crime thriller. It raises uncomfortable questions and stays with you after the credits roll, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.