Too Good to Be True

In the heat of a languid summer, Richard Harland—a widowed author still haunted by the loss of his wife—escapes to a serene lakeside retreat owned by his longtime friend and attorney, Glen Robie. The house, perched on quiet water, becomes a sanctuary where Richard hopes to find solace alongside his teenage son, Danny, whose life has been irrevocably altered by the tragedy that befell their family. The tranquil setting is punctuated by gentle breezes and the occasional ripple of the lake, establishing a mood that is both idyllic and subtly unsettling, as old wounds linger beneath the surface.

Against this backdrop, the arrival of the captivating Ellen Berent and her family—her mother Margaret and sister Ruth—introduces a dynamic shift. Ellen’s charm instantly draws Richard’s attention, setting the stage for a romance that feels as inevitable as the sunrise over the water. Yet the ease of their chemistry is balanced by an undercurrent of tension: Ellen’s desire to claim Richard’s affection appears to clash with the protective instincts of those around her, particularly the steadfast Glen, who offers cautious counsel.

The ensemble of characters brings a rich tapestry of motives and desires. Danny, still navigating the limits imposed by his condition, finds himself caught between the yearning for normalcy and the watchful eyes of those who care for him. Glen, embodying loyalty and pragmatism, serves as both host and quiet observer, while Margaret and Ruth provide familial anchors that both support and complicate the emerging relationships. The lingering presence of Russell Quinton, Ellen’s former fiancé, adds another layer of unresolved history that hints at lingering complexities.

As summer deepens, the lake house becomes a crucible for ambition, longing, and unspoken rivalry. The film’s tone weaves together gentle humor, simmering anxiety, and an elegant, almost lyrical visual palette, inviting viewers to wonder how fragile connections will hold when desire and devotion begin to tug at the seams of this seemingly peaceful retreat.

Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:48