a black comedy about self-isolation that criticizes everyone

Still from the movie “The Perfect Liar”

Popular publicist Jay is famous for his harsh criticism of the government. In his sparkling articles, he defends the rights of ordinary people, workers and migrants. He is a pacifist and a vegetarian, a wonderful family man and a successful person. Lives in his own estate on an island near New York, surrounded by loyal servants who value a good employer.

Meanwhile, a brutal Spanish flu epidemic is raging in the country, and on the eve of the introduction of a general quarantine, Floyd Monk, a new chef with excellent recommendations, appears in the house. He’s a big fan of Jay’s ideas. Even too big. And soon the faithful servants decide that their owners could treat them better.

“The Perfect Liar” is a black tragicomedy, which takes place in 1919, but is painfully reminiscent of the events of the very recent past – the pandemic and self-isolation. And the images of the heroes and, above all, the most popular truth teller Jay, are more relevant now than ever.

Billy Magnussen portrays his character on the verge of caricature, while maintaining the image of a lively and complex man who, while striving for fame and success, sincerely believes in his ideals. And to the last he is ready to defend them, to fight for his family, despite the fact that he has already been betrayed and humiliated by everyone.

Still from the movie “The Perfect Liar”

But this venture seems hopeless when he is confronted by Floyd Monk, played brilliantly by Peter Sarsgaard. Charismatic, charming, smart and able to do everything, it seems, the First World War veteran quickly wins the sympathy of all the residents of the estate and the audience of the film. At the same time causing a feeling of fear because of the danger that comes from him.

The film is full of black, caustic humor; no one is pitied here – and at the same time, everyone can be treated with sympathy.

Still from the movie “The Perfect Liar”

The picture is unlikely to please people of left-wing convictions, since both antagonists are shown as destroyers, and extremely dangerous ones at that – the publicist criticizing the government, hiding behind the rights of ordinary people, and the common man himself, in all his glory invading his cozy little world in order to take revenge and arrange the most literal fight for rights. At the same time, the film can also be interpreted as a criticism of the “false left,” who are in fact just rich exploiters.

In addition, the idea of ​​a general quarantine is shown in the film as the cause of mass ruin of the population – this will probably appeal to anti-vaxxers, but will cause discontent among their opponents.