Little Black Lie

Don't be fooled into thinking this film is just another run-of-the-mill erotic thriller. Little Black Lie is so much more than typical. It is the kind of cinema not made much anymore because of our overly sensitive culture. The film is daring, complex, uncomfortable and even dangerous. All the characters in Little Black Lie are in equal measure likable and unlikable. This complexity of character keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat because anything could happen. It could be inspiring, tragic, romantic or horrific and we don't know for sure until the gut-punch of an ending. There are so many poetic flourishes in the film that certain sequences, in lesser hands, could have been lurid or sleazy, but in this film are difficult, realistic, unsettling and even, dare I say, meditative. The director has a clear intention of purpose and vision (definitely a voice to watch); the ending will haunt you and keep you talking for hours after the film is over.

This dramatic piece of work was excellent start to finish. If you like the more dramatic stuff that Woody Allen has to offer then this film is definitely for you. It is a very realistic portrayal at how the lies of one person can destroy many lives; how one lie can escalate completely out of control. The last movie I saw that was excellent and deal with a similar subject matter was Ridley Scott's The Duel, and if you liked that film you'd probably enjoy this too. It is very dialogue driven piece and emotionally hard. The actors in this are amazing. Truly amazing! The cinematography, the split screen montages, the dialogue - all of it was top notch. I can't stress enough how well it was written and how realistic it is. Amazing work from first time director Todd Theman!

Loved it. A thrilling sexual power fantasy and modern interpretation of the love triangle. In this incarnation, the lovers are not heroes, or even anti-heroes, but morally bankrupt villain protagonists, delightfully unpredictable as they take turns victimizing each other. Though we get to fall in love with them and get our hearts broken with each one's fall from grace. A somewhat unusual choice that could be jarring or controversial to viewers who are unwilling to engage with main characters whose values (or absence thereof) don't align with their own. The use of villain protagonists in my opinion serves the story well. Think Cruel Intentions, but less intentional and more impulsive -- perhaps it is this impulsivity that makes the tale so disturbing: the idea that split-second decisions (to lie, to cheat, etc.) made under duress (and neglected to be rectified) could render any of us villain protagonists. Leading lady Rachel, played by Stephanie Lynn, is beguiling in her role as a classic villainess: as the universally-reviled sort hated by both men and women alike for very different reasons. We don't seem to mind villain protagonists when they're men: American Psycho, There Will be Blood, Wolf of Wall Street, mob movies -- but women are featured this way much less frequently. I would argue this is an unlikely feminist film for that reason. Here we FINALLY have an onscreen characterization of a woman who isn't living for her men or putting their wellbeing ahead of her own. In fact, none of the principals in this movie follow any kind of golden rules. Writer/director Todd Theman stars as a masterful pickup artist who won't shake the schtick. Nick Ballard transcends his perma-composed Ken doll features in a convincing and dramatic 180. The friends, played by Casey O'Keefe, Scott Speiser, and Clayton LaDue (who seems impossibly real) ground the picturesque film in everyday reality, enhancing its impact. It could easily float into its own ruthless and beautiful world populated with attractive people and feel detached, but the performances of the supporting cast, including Swootie as Alicia (the dog) never let the viewer lose sight of what is at stake and make a lovely contrast of good in the background, evil in the fore. This is a film aficionado's film; an elegant and focused work of art. Esthetically the film is as indulgent as its main characters. Set to eerie music that builds dread in the viewer, Little Black Lie serves up expertly-cut sequences that leave a lasting impression while never seeming excessive. Think American Beauty. Everything is symbolic: the stunning love scene where the couple is bathed in white suggests an innocence to its illicit theme that mirrors every affair: so wrong and yet so right. This is a bold and gutsy picture with a timely condemnation for the very rare telling of a certain little black lie - if you remember not to get too attached to the character telling it. Highly recommend.

I have been to many film festivals but I must say LIttle Black Lie is one of the best feature films that I've seen. I'm particularly impressed with the fact Director, Todd Theman really explores the darkest nature of human beings. We are living in the world that we do a lot of lip services to others, being hypocrite and do something terrible behind people's back. Worst of all, we still pretend or falsely believe that we are good people. I think the film is very courageous taking on this difficult subject matter that people normally want to avoid. The execution is from the beginning to the end is brilliant. Little Black Lie is a true labor of love that everyone must see.

Great story telling! You get sucked in real easily. Wonderful Indie Film.looking forward to seeing what this Director has up his sleeve next time around. The style of file is classic old school with twist and turns. It's amazing how much was accomplished with such a small budget. Props to this production as they truly made a quality film with a solid storyline. Little Black Lie delivers a studio level production. The Film Noir style draws you in and you can't wait to see how it ends. Guaranteed that you will be entertained by this masterful film making that will leave you with your jaw on the floor.