The Good Liar (2019): Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren Deliver Masterful Performances in a Twisty Con-Artist Thriller That Divides Critics
The pairing of two British acting legends—Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren—on screen for the first time in The Good Liar was one of the most anticipated cinematic events of 2019. Directed by Bill Condon, who previously collaborated with McKellen on Gods and Monsters (1998) and Mr. Holmes (2015), this adaptation of Nicholas Searle’s novel promised a sophisticated cat-and-mouse game laced with deception and suspense. While the film showcases undeniable star power and elegant craftsmanship, it ultimately stumbles with an implausible plot that veers into melodrama, leaving many viewers disappointed despite the stellar leads.
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The Good Liar | Rotten Tomatoes
Official movie poster featuring Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren – a promise of legendary chemistry.
At its core, The Good Liar follows Roy Courtnay (McKellen), a seasoned con artist who, along with his partner Vincent (Jim Carter), targets wealthy marks for financial scams. Spotting an opportunity on an online dating site, Roy sets his sights on Betty McLeish (Mirren), a recently widowed retiree with substantial savings. What begins as a calculated swindle evolves into a complex psychological duel as Roy moves into Betty’s home, much to the suspicion of her grandson Stephen (Russell Tovey). The story builds tension through subtle manipulations and escalating stakes, set against the backdrop of contemporary London with nods to historical shadows.
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The Good Liar: Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren – together at last …
Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren in a charged scene – their on-screen duet is the film’s greatest strength.
Screenwriter Jeffrey Hatcher, adapting Searle’s page-turner, reunites the creative team behind Mr. Holmes. Condon’s direction emphasizes restraint and elegance, complemented by Tobias A. Schliessler’s moody cinematography of London’s streets and suburbs, Virginia Katz’s precise editing, and Carter Burwell’s haunting score that underscores the growing unease. The production, a co-effort between Germany, the UK, and the USA, grossed $33 million worldwide on a $10 million budget, proving modest commercial success.
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The Good Liar’ Review: Mirren, McKellen in a Clever Con-Game Thriller
The stars locked in a battle of wits – McKellen’s cunning gaze meets Mirren’s poised authority.
McKellen and Mirren are, without question, the film’s saving grace. McKellen portrays Roy with a chilling calm and calculating charm, blending vulnerability with menace in a performance that echoes his Oscar-nominated turn in Gods and Monsters. Mirren counters with sharp intelligence and understated power as Betty, creating electric chemistry that elevates every scene they share. Supporting players like Russell Tovey as the wary grandson and Jim Carter as Roy’s loyal accomplice add solid grounding, with Tovey particularly effective in conveying familial concern.
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136 Photos & High Res Pictures – Getty Images
The ensemble at the world premiere: Jim Carter, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, and Russell Tovey.
Critics praised the leads unanimously. Variety called their dynamic “consistently impressive,” while The Guardian dubbed the film “outrageous and irresistible” for their interplay. Rotten Tomatoes holds a 64% score, reflecting admiration for the performances amid plot complaints. However, the narrative’s ambition proves its undoing. What starts as a clever con thriller devolves into a series of increasingly unbelievable revelations, culminating in twists that strain credulity and tip into the grotesque. Flashbacks introducing heavy historical elements feel forced, disrupting the film’s sophisticated tone and quashing the fun of the central deception game.
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Helen Mirren on new movie The Good Liar, working with Ian McKellen
A tense moment of revelation – elegance gives way to high-stakes drama.
As Roger Ebert’s site noted, the film aims for Hitchcockian suspense but falls short, offering hints of what a master like Hitchcock might have refined. Many reviewers echoed this: enjoyable for its stars, but undermined by an over-the-top script that insults audience intelligence with contrived explanations.
Released in November 2019 after premiering at the BFI London Film Festival, The Good Liar appealed to adult audiences craving intelligent fare amid blockbuster dominance. It later found a streaming home on Netflix, where it became a quiet favorite for repeat viewings—drawn by the comfort of McKellen and Mirren’s commanding presence.
For fans of classy thrillers, the performances alone make it worth watching, even if the plot doesn’t fully deliver. McKellen and Mirren prove why they’re national treasures: effortless, magnetic, and utterly watchable. In a landscape of franchises, The Good Liar reminds us of the pleasure in watching pros at work—flaws and all.
