“Dangerous Lies” is a crime drama directed by Michael Scott, previously widely known as a television filmmaker. The film stars actors who aren’t too familiar on the big screen, such as Camila Mendes, Jessie T. Usher, Jamie Chung, and Elliot Gould. Although it carries the Netflix logo, there are no expectations. However, apparently, this film is not as bad as I thought.
Katie works as an elderly chaperone named Leonard in a big house. She has worked there for four months and has become close friends with Leonard. Katie and her husband, Adam, are now facing severe economic problems. Leonard even helps Katie to employ Adam as a gardener, adding an unusual amount of bonuses. The problem begins the next day when Leonard dies and leaves all his assets to Katie. Katie’s life also changes with people around her trying to take advantage of the situation.
This film has a very nuanced “TV film” feel, which is expected given the filmmaker’s background. However, it’s not bad at all. The story becomes interesting in the second half, where doubts arise about the people around Katie. The boundary lines are thin, and we don’t know what is right and wrong, even Katie herself at times. Some facts feel confusing because they are only presented through rapid dialogue, a hallmark of television films. For example, what does the robbery have to do with Leonard’s case in the beginning? Many things are certainly not difficult to anticipate, thanks to the casting choice, but the final twist is quite surprising, although it is no longer crucial. Money, diamonds, and whatever else all flow too fast before it’s all over.
“Dangerous Lies” is not bad for a B-Movie, with its surprising twist and a sense of the past. In the end, it’s black and white, and the boundaries are firm. Evil will always be rewarded, and crime doesn’t pay. I miss this, where the values of honesty, ethics, and morals were held in high esteem, as in the television series of the 1980s and 1990s. These values are rare in today’s modern era. In closing, I am eager to see how Mendes acts in other films because this young girl has potential.
