A Little White Lie
Self-reflective comedy about confidence; drinking, language.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
A Little White Lie
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that A Little White Lie is a romantic comedy that explores issues related to self-confidence, imposters, and imposter syndrome. The plot centers on a literary festival put on by a small college, and creative writing is portrayed in an aspirational light. Writers, on the other hand, are depicted as alcoholics (as is the stereotype), and all the characters indulge in heavy drinking throughout, including doing shots and getting drunk to the point of passing out. While there aren't any real consequences for the drinking, there are for lying -- something not always seen in entertainment. In addition to scenes with respectful kisses and affection, there's one moment where a woman with power sexually attacks a man for the sake of comedy, pinning him to the bed and putting his hands on her breasts without his consent. A detective smokes a cigar, and characters use strong language, including "s--t" and "f--k." Michael Shannon, Kate Hudson, and Zach Braff star.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
When apartment maintenance man Shriver (Michael Shannon) is mistaken for a reclusive author and invited to a college literary festival, he embraces the ruse to collect the promised prize. Initially telling himself he's simply telling A LITTLE WHITE LIE, he tries to dodge questions and expectations, but the problem gets deeper when a man claiming he's the real author (Zach Braff) shows up. Adapted from the novel Shriver by Chris Belden.
Is It Any Good?
Movie and TV plots are no strangers to misunderstandings and misrepresentations, but writer-director Michael Maren's approach is totally different and very engaging, and will hit home for many. In Shriver -- a maintenance man who's palpably uncomfortable in his own skin -- Maren doesn't deliver a liar but a human. When Shriver's friend encourages him to accept the invitation he receives to speak at the college literary festival, he does, knowing they believe him to be the reclusive author of a seminal novel and a person that no one has ever seen. And so we experience along with him what it would be like to be an impostor.
But more than that, A Little White Lie addresses questions we might well ask ourselves: What are we capable of? How would we behave if we were treated as someone who's "great" -- would we become great ourselves? And how is our own self-doubt holding us back? Like humans themselves, this film isn't perfect; we're left with unanswered questions, threads left hanging in the wind, and a plot point that just lacks common sense. But with twists and turns along the way, Kate Hudson in her most luminescent performance since Almost Famous, and Shannon knocking it out of the park (as usual), A Little White Lie delivers a truth that might lead viewers on their own self-reflective journey.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the drinking in A Little White Lie. Is it glamorized? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
What is "impostor syndrome"? Why do you think it tends to affect women more than men?
What famous person's life would you like to step into for a weekend? In what ways do you think you'd succeed? To go with the saying: What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 3, 2023
- On DVD or streaming: March 3, 2023
- Cast: Michael Shannon, Kate Hudson, Don Johnson
- Director: Michael Maren
- Studio: Saban Films
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language
- Last updated: March 4, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Wry, painful fact-based comedy has language, drinking.
-
Mrs. Doubtfire
You'll laugh, you'll cry. Best divorce movie.
-
Catch Me If You Can
Excellent account of youngest FBI's Most Wanted.
-
The Importance of Being Earnest
Romance and deception in Wilde's clever comedy of manners.
-
Wonder Boys
This grand mess of a movie has many pleasures.
For kids who love quirky comedies
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate