The Good Liar

The story begins with Roy Courtnay, an aging con artist from Britain, who together with his partner Vincent, manipulates unsuspecting victims. Their manipulative schemes are largely focused on accessing the wealth of affluent individuals through deception.

In 2009, Roy sets his sights on Betty McLeish, a grieving former professor who has significant savings. He exploits her vulnerability after the death of her husband and concocts a plan to charm his way into her life.

Roy pretends to have a severe knee injury to gain access to Betty's home. This ruse allows him to slowly convince her to open a joint offshore investment account under his false pretenses.

Alongside Vincent, Roy runs a fraudulent investment scheme involving an unsuspecting man named Bryn. By pretending to make a significant contribution, they trick Bryn into believing he can easily double his money.

As their plans progress, a Polish butcher, posed as a Russian ally, demands more money from Roy. In a chilling act of violence, Roy pushes Bryn into an oncoming train, eliminating the threat of his betrayal.

Roy and Betty take a vacation in Berlin, where Roy pretends not to understand German. During their trip, Betty's grandson reveals the history of a man named Roy Courtnay, stirring suspicions about Roy's true identity.

Betty's curiosity leads her to uncover Roy's past identity as Hans Taub, a German translator involved in darker deeds. This moment marks a significant turning point as Betty begins to question Roy's true nature.

Roy discovers he has misplaced the means to access his joint account and returns to Betty's home. Shockingly, he finds that Betty has turned the place upside down, stripping it bare and ready to confront him.

In a harrowing confrontation, Betty reveals herself as Lili, recounting their shared tragic past during the war. She shares the devastating consequences of Roy's actions that led to her family’s suffering.

With her plan set in motion, Lili drains the joint account, leaving Roy with nothing but debts to pay. This act represents a profound reversal of power between them, turning the tables on Roy's manipulative tactics.

In a desperate attempt to regain control, Roy locks Lili in and attacks her. However, Lili proves to be stronger than he anticipated and manages to thwart his attempt before escaping.

After Lili escapes, Roy faces dire consequences for his betrayals, being confronted by Bryn’s accomplices. They assault him, leaving him to deal with the repercussions of his deceitful life.

Weeks later, Roy finds himself in a hospital bed, his mind barely intact from the consequences of his schemes. This marks the culmination of his life's work as a con artist, showcasing the tragic fallout of his actions.

In stark contrast to Roy, Lili thrives surrounded by her family, signifying her resilience in the aftermath of their tumultuous past. Her new life is a testament to strength amidst betrayal, showcasing the moral consequence of their intertwined fates.