An adaptation of author Philippe Besson’s award-winning novel Lie with Me, this erotic, tender, romantic, and heartbreaking film follows celebrated novelist Stéphane Belcourt (Guillaume de Tonquédec), who travels to his hometown after over 30 years. There, he meets Lucas (Victor Belmondo, grandson of Jean-Paul Belmondo), the son of Thomas, his secret teenage love. Lucas, inquisitive for information on his now-deceased father, sets off turbulent emotions in the writer as his mind is flooded with memories of Thomas and their summer of love.
LIE WITH ME will arrive on February 15, 2024, on DVD and VOD, digital platforms, including AppleTV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, VUDU, and more.
The movie “LIE WITH ME” is a bittersweet tale of love and closure. It tells the story of a young man who struggles to accept himself for who he truly is, while also providing closure and understanding for those who have misunderstood his pain for many years.
One of the standout aspects of this film is its beautiful cinematography, which captures the emotions and atmosphere of each scene. The actors also deliver exceptional performances, effectively portraying their respective roles. The typecasting in the movie is well done, allowing the characters to come to life and engage the audience.
While the film employs a non-linear narrative, bouncing back and forth between different times, it surprisingly works well in conveying the story. Instead of spending excessive time explaining the different timelines, the movie skillfully uses them as simple memories of the past. This approach adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing viewers to piece together the puzzle and understand the protagonist’s journey.
I seem to be giving a lot of high ratings lately, but films like “LIE WITH ME,” have been showing significant improvement in quality and substance over the years. This could be attributed to the exceptional scripts, talented acting, and skilled directing that have become more prevalent in these small-budget productions.
“LIE WITH ME” is a film that evokes a range of emotions. While it leaves a sense of sadness for one of the main character’s struggles, it also provides a satisfying closure for both the characters and the audience. With its beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and effective storytelling, this movie is a testament to the growth and evolution of independent films.
Cinephobia Releasing is proud to announce the North American release of the powerful and achingly tender LGBTQ festival darling LIE WITH ME from writer-director Olivier Peyon. The film, an adaptation of author Philippe Besson’s award-winning novel Lie with Me, brings an uncommon understanding of queer sex and desire in both the spring and autumn of life. all set in the bucolic rural European countryside. Permeated with passion and wistfulness reminiscent of Call Me By Your Name, LIE WITH ME will arrive on February 15, 2024, on DVD and VOD, digital platforms, including AppleTV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, VUDU, and more.
LIE WITH ME held its North American Premiere at the American French Film Festival, and went on to have a healthy festival life with screenings at Frameline, Newfest, BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Miami OUTshine Film Festival where it took home the Audience Award for Best Feature, and ImageOut: The Rochester LGBT Film Festival where it won Best Narrative Feature.
LIE WITH ME
Original title: Arrête avec tes mensonges
Directed by Olivier Peyon
Written by Olivier Peyon, Vincent Poymiro, Cécilia Rouaud, and Arthur Cahn
Starring: Guillaume de Tonquédec, Victor Belmondo, Doriane Chastanet, Julien de Saint Jean, Jérémy Gillet, and Guilaine Londez
Produced by: Anthony Doncque, Gilles Sacuto, Miléna Poylo
Production Company: TS Productions
Cinematography by: Martin Rit
Edited by: Damien Maestraggi
Music by: Thylacine & Bravinsan
France | 2023 | Coming-of-age, Drama, and LGBTQ+ | 98 minutes