6.2
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The Lie fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline3
- Scare2
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy9
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor3
World
Family, the mind, and everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Ambiguity7
- World Immersion6
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and dialogue
- Character Depth10
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Lie is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumFamily, the mind, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around family, the mind, and everyday modern life. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and dialogue
The characters, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBackground WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
From an Ingmar Bergman script. Previously produced for Swedish Television as "Reservatet" and for the BBC as "The Lie" (both 1970). In this Emmy award winning American version for CBS’s reboot of Playhouse 90, an American couple is trapped in their marriage and way of life. Locked up in their bourgeois inferno.
Marital DiscordPsychological DramaBergmanesqueBourgeoisie EntrapmentCharacter-DrivenMelancholicBleak OutlookDialogue-HeavySlow-PacedIntimate
Actors
Crew
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Lie
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Lie worth watching?
61
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 6.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Lie?
1 h 25 min
The Lie runs 1 h 25 min.
What language is The Lie in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
What tropes does The Lie use?
No One Could Survive That!Teens Are MonstersDouble-Meaning TitleSnowball LieClothing DamageChekhov's GunAmbiguous SituationSelf-HarmThe RevealDowner EndingFiery Cover-UpBigot with a Badgeand 2 more
TV Tropes lists 14 storytelling tropes for The Lie, including No One Could Survive That!, Teens Are Monsters, Double-Meaning Title.