The Good Liar

Amid all the fibs and deceits throughout The Good Liar, the truth is that once you connect the dots, it doesn’t add up to much in the end.

That’s a shame, considering it features two esteemed actors trading barbs in top form, trying to elevate a twisty character-driven thriller not really worthy of their talents.

It takes place in London in 2009, when Roy (Ian McKellen) and Betty (Helen Mirren) meet through an online dating service. The dishonesty begins almost immediately with made-up names, but not severely enough to derail a budding romance between the two widowed septuagenarians.

Roy has built a small fortune as a con artist who uses his charm to lure potential investors. Perhaps his latest victim will be Betty, a retired professor who appears gullible when she invites Roy to stay in her spare room because of his balky knee. Not long afterward, they’re taking vacations and meeting with Roy’s “accountant” (Jim Carter).

Betty’s grandson (Russell Tovey) is considerably more skeptical of Roy, who becomes irritated by his constant interference in the couple’s affairs. A simmering unease lingers throughout their courtship, linked to secrets from their respective pasts that foreshadow additional revelations.

Assembled into a slick and technically polished package by veteran director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls), the film generates some intriguing character dynamics as it maintains a delicate balance while gradually unspooling details about motives and devious deeds.

In its best moments, the chemistry and rapport between McKellen and Mirren provides a spark as the sly seniors who might be physically fragile but are very much of sound mind. Each of them shrewdly uses body language and facial expression to supplement the dialogue and enhance the sense of mystery.

Meanwhile, the screenplay by Jeffrey Hatcher (Mr. Holmes), based on a Nicholas Searle novel, indulges an assortment of melodramatic detours and flashbacks as it funnels toward a climactic comeuppance. However, it ultimately struggles to build consistent tension or to provide sufficient incentive for emotional investment.

Much of The Good Liar resembles a juicy “Masterpiece Theatre” entry, and likely will cater to the same target demographic. But they’ll discover the setup is more compelling than the payoff.

Rated R, 109 minutes.