The Good Liar

Year: 2019

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Bill Condon

Budget: $10M

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

A seasoned con artist targets a wealthy widow online, but their connection unexpectedly evolves into a complex romance. As Roy pursues his deceptive scheme, he finds himself developing real feelings for his mark, blurring the lines between his profession and a chance at genuine love. He must then confront the consequences of his actions and the potential for heartbreak.

The Good Liar (2019) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Good Liar (2019) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the polished world of London’s affluent retirees, Roy Courtnay moves like a ghost, slipping between identities with the practiced ease of a seasoned deceiver. His latest mark is Betty McLeish, a widowed former professor whose quiet life is wrapped in the comfort of a substantial fortune and the lingering ache of loss. Their connection begins in the anonymous sphere of online correspondence, where charm and curiosity intertwine, setting the stage for a delicate dance of truth and illusion.

The film balances a crisp, modern thriller tone with the lingering warmth of an unexpected romance. As Roy’s elaborate ruse unfolds, the atmosphere shimmers with the tension of hidden motives against the soft glow of intimate confession. Betty, poised and intelligent, offers more than just a financial target; she becomes the unexpected catalyst that forces Roy to confront the boundaries of his craft and the possibility of genuine affection. Their interactions are laced with wit, guarded vulnerability, and the ever‑present undercurrent that each may be concealing more than the other realizes.

Against this backdrop, the story explores the allure of second chances and the fragile line between professional detachment and personal longing. The setting—elegant homes, quiet cafés, and the impersonal reach of the internet—serves as a quiet witness to a relationship that could either cement a final, calculated score or evolve into something startlingly sincere. As the characters navigate their intertwined worlds, the audience is left to wonder whether love can truly emerge from a foundation of deception, and what the cost of that truth might be.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 01:33

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Movies about calculated revenge like The Good Liar

Stories where a meticulous plan for vengeance unfolds with dark satisfaction.If you enjoyed the intricate revenge plot of The Good Liar, you'll appreciate these movies where characters execute long-planned retribution. This section features similar thrillers and dramas about meticulous payback, betrayal, and stories where the predator becomes the prey, delivering a satisfying sense of poetic justice.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a past trauma or betrayal that defines the protagonist's motivation. The story then jumps forward in time, following the methodical steps of a revenge plot that is slowly revealed to the audience. The climax involves a confrontation where the tables are turned, often uncovering hidden identities and long-buried secrets, resulting in a resolution that emphasizes justice over pure victory.

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These films are grouped together because they share a core narrative of meticulous, long-game revenge. They create a specific mood of grim satisfaction, combining suspense with a dark exploration of morality. The pacing is often steady, building tension as the revenge scheme unfolds, and the emotional weight is heavy, focusing on the lasting impact of trauma and the price of justice.

Thrillers with deceptive identities like The Good Liar

Thrillers where nothing is as it seems, and trust is the ultimate gamble.Fans of the hidden motives and dual identities in The Good Liar will find more to love here. Discover similar mystery and crime movies where con artists, spies, or ordinary people living a lie navigate a world of shifting trust. These films keep you guessing with their complex characters and suspenseful reveals.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a central character (or characters) adopting a false identity for personal gain, safety, or revenge. The plot revolves around the increasing difficulty of sustaining the deception as relationships deepen and external pressures mount. A major revelation or a series of twists recontextualizes the entire story, forcing characters to confront the reality they have constructed and its impact on themselves and others.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their focus on deception as a core driver of plot and character development. They share a mood of constant suspense and unease, making the viewer question every interaction. The tone is often dark or tense, with a complex narrative structure that demands attention to detail, rewarding viewers with shocking twists and profound moral questions.

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The Good Liar Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Good Liar

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More About The Good Liar

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