There is no better genre of film than the one focusing on a big con when handled correctly. When you add the iconic star power of actors like Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen you know the potential is high. Can this film bring the ultimate con you will never see coming to light or will it be one not worth falling for?

 

The Good Liar follows career con artist Roy Courtnay who can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life. The trailers for this were perfect with it showcasing the clear deceit happening, but never really told you anything. This is how a film should be promoted and diving into this one takes you in some familiar directions but ends in a place you may never see coming.

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The majority of the film gives the viewer a treat of just watching Mirren and McKellen interact and do their thing. McKellen is so great here and looks to be having a lot of fun playing a different kind of role. The same can be said for Mirren who is playing a more timid role with both chewing up the dialogue at every moment. The supporting cast are all great, but this is their film all the way. The story moves at a slow pace but thanks to these two great actors and the anticipation of where it is all heading keeps you intrigued throughout.

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There are numerous twits with varying elements that give you a pretty good idea to where it is heading, but not so much how it is going to get there. That makes it part of the fun just waiting to see how things get twisted on its head and who is going to screw over who. From the trailers alone you can tell there is something more happening, but it is still a journey worth taking to see who is playing who and what the end came of the con truly is.

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The film itself isn’t anything we haven’t seen before but the engaging story and brilliant performances make it a must see film.