White Lie

Directed by Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas, White Lie follows Kacey Rohl’s Katie Arneson as she frantically attempts to sustain the illusion of a cancer diagnosis in the face of several obstacles (including a meddling father, Martin Donovan’s Doug). It’s an intriguing setup that’s employed to predominantly successful effect by Lewis and Thomas, as the filmmakers deliver a methodically-paced drama that benefits substantially from Rohl’s stirring turn as the unexpectedly sympathetic protagonist – with the actress’ eye-opening work here certainly matched by an above-average supporting cast that includes Christine Horne, Connor Jessup, and Amber Anderson. (The latter is especially strong as Katie’s conflicted girlfriend, to be sure.) And although the picture does contain a small handful of palpable lulls, White Lie boasts a progressively engrossing midsection that’s enhanced by a continuing emphasis on tense, noose-tightening sequences (eg Katie meets with Darrin Baker’s sinister Dr. Becker, Katie attempts to cover up a damning Facebook post, etc) – with the impact of such moments heightened by Lewis and Thomas’ spare, compelling visual sensibilities. The abrupt yet completely satisfying conclusion does, in the end, cement White Lie‘s place as a solid, conversation-provoking piece of work, with the movie undoubtedly boding well for Lewis and Thomas’ future endeavors behind the camera (and this is to say nothing of Rohl’s star-making efforts in the tricky central role).

*** out of ****