L.I.E.

In suburban Long Island, 15-year-old Howie is reeling from his mother's death and struggles with his burgeoning sexuality. He becomes increasingly entangled with Marty, a charismatic and manipulative older man. Their relationship deepens, blurring lines of consent and morality as Marty introduces Howie to a world of drugs and deceit, leading to a disturbing and inevitable confrontation with the consequences of their actions.

L.I.E. was critically acclaimed for its raw and unflinching portrayal of adolescent confusion and predation. Reviewers lauded Brian Cox's chilling performance as the manipulative Marty and Paul Dano's sensitive portrayal of the vulnerable Howie. The film was praised for its mature handling of difficult themes and its unsettling atmosphere.

• A powerful and disturbing exploration of grooming and lost innocence.

• Features outstanding performances from its lead actors, particularly Brian Cox.

• Praised for its bold, no-holds-barred approach to sensitive subject matter.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be intense and thought-provoking, with many highlighting the strong acting. Some viewers expressed that the subject matter was difficult to watch, but acknowledged its impactful storytelling.

Won the Special Jury Prize for Acting (Brian Cox) at the Sundance Film Festival, and the Audience Award for Best Dramatic Feature at the Provincetown International Film Festival.

The film's title, L.I.E., is a play on the Long Island Expressway and also hints at the deceptive nature of the relationships depicted within the story.