The Perfect Lie Review: In this Netflix Dutch thriller, an apparently perfect social circle turns into a web of secrets, lies and deceit after a devastating fire kills one of their own. The series follows Karen, who arrives in Bergen and is immediately taken in by the eccentric residents whose outward showcase of wealth has more secrets to hide than they let on.
What begins as luxurious dinners and swimming in beautiful homes soon turns deadly when a few skeletons tumble out of the closet, and Karen finds herself entangled in the mess more than she could’ve imagined.
The 7-episode series (De Eetclub) stars Loes Haverkort, Remko Vrijdag, Noortje Herlaar, Edwin Jonker, Rifka Lodeizen, Matthijs van de Sande Bakhuyzen, Charlie-Chan Dagelet and Teun Luijkx, and is directed by Dana Nechushtan and Margien Rogaar, and is based on the book by Saskia Noort.
The Perfect Lie Review
The Perfect Lie Has a Deliciously Uncomfortable Premise
As it goes with mystery shows about the rich and powerful, The Perfect Lie‘s biggest strength is in its contrast between the truth and what the characters are presenting to the world. Seemingly perfect and pristine, these people have it all – perfect homes, businesses and families. But underneath the facade, there’s nothing but jealousy and sadness that gnaws at all of their minds in different ways. While some are having affairs, others have dangerous insecurities that they are hiding a bit too well. Most of their marriages are going through problems but if you see it at a glance, nothing seems out of place.
It’s an interesting part of the series, and the story doesn’t shy away from showing Karen, the newbie with anger issues, as just another flawed human who can also slip. The question is whether or not these characters can eventually take ownership of their mistakes. The series is serious, and the pacing is pretty great. Every episode jumps back and forth between the past and present, showcasing the characters in different lights and highlighting all the lies they tell each other without a second thought.
It’s also interesting to note that most of these people know some shocking secret or the other about each other and, thus, have leverage when they need it. The uncomfortable premise makes for a tense watch that knows how far to go with the lies to make it relatable but not over the top.
A Thriller Built Around Secrets Rather Than Action
The Perfect Lie does a great job of lingering in the silences to drive the ramifications of incorrect decisions home. The tension comes from the conversations, relationships and gradual discovery that seemingly ordinary conversations may have another meaning. It’s not exactly a conventional crime thriller, as viewers have to decipher who the liar is among the community before the truth is told. But, then again, the series keeps something unanswered to leave viewers with the last bit of confusion and mystery.
The idea of the dinner club is an interesting watch in itself. While Karen is new, she finds herself drawn to these people and, before long, she is doing anything and everything with them. Regardless of how long they have known each other, she is a part of the community and seemingly becomes close friends with the women. However, even she doesn’t know the truth about most of them and the lies that they have been harbouring. Even she has, in that regard.
The Characters Keep the Story Grounded
While the situation is interesting and shocking, it’s the characters who keep the story believable and moving. The series highlights how unpredictable people can be, and that’s brought home by the fantastic actors who do a great job with their roles. While Loes Haverkort can be termed the protagonist, the series works because all of these characters are confusing and flawed, making terrible decisions that land them in bigger trouble than necessary.
Loes Haverkort, Remko Vrijdag, Noortje Herlaar, Edwin Jonker, Rifka Lodeizen, Matthijs van de Sande Bakhuyzen, Charlie-Chan Dagelet and Teun Luijkx bring the right amount of crazy and grounded to their characters, who all seem to have some corruption inside them.
Where the Series Falters
All that being said, The Perfect Lie isn’t anything new. We have seen similar shows on Netflix many times before, focusing on how corrupt and twisted rich communities can be. The formula is obvious, and the eventual revelation won’t come as a surprise. However, the series is able to move forward with ease and does a good job of creating an atmosphere and situation that seems real instead of introducing twists for the sake of them.
Final Verdict
In the end, The Perfect Lie is an enjoyable watch that keeps you hooked. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but the way it approaches it and creates an atmosphere of confusion and doubt keeps things moving effortlessly. If nothing else, it’s definitely thoroughly entertaining.
The Perfect Lie is streaming on Netflix. What did you think about the series? Let us know in the comments below!
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