Is Telling Lies Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Telling Lies is likely a skip if you enjoy Animation movies.
It features a runtime of 5 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Telling Lies Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2001, Telling Lies emerges as a significant entry in the Animation, Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The morning after the night before, a rapid spiral of disastrous telephone calls chart the certain ruin of young Phil's day as he attempts to fib his way out of one scrape after another. Unlike standard genre fare, Telling Lies attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Simon Ellis, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Animation elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and Telling Lies features a noteworthy lineup led by Tim Cunningham. Supported by the likes of Juliet Jones and Penn Linfield, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Tim Cunningham, Juliet Jones, Penn Linfield manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2001 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Animation, Comedy, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Telling Lies is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Telling Lies follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 5 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Telling Lies resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Animation landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.6/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Telling Lies is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. The morning after the night before, a rapid spiral of disastrous telephone calls chart the certain ruin of young Phil's day as he attempts to fib his way out of one scrape after another. Told entirely in animated captions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Telling Lies (2001) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.6/10 and strong performance metrics in the Animation, Comedy, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Tim Cunningham, Juliet Jones, Penn Linfield or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Telling Lies is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2001. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Telling Lies has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Telling Lies stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2001 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telling Lies movie hit or flop?
Telling Lies has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Telling Lies worth watching?
Telling Lies is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Animation, Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Telling Lies online?
Telling Lies may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
The morning after the night before, a rapid spiral of disastrous telephone calls chart the certain ruin of young Phil's day as he attempts to fib his way out of one scrape after another. Told entirely in animated captions.