Lies I Told My Little Sister

Lies I Told My Little Sister is an enthralling story of family dysfunction, personal discovery, and the potent power of survival instincts that premiered in 2014. Starring Lucy Walters, Ellen Foley, and Alex Jennings, the film explores the often complicated and tense relationship between three sisters, made more so by the tragic death of their beloved brother.

In Lies I Told My Little Sister we meet Cory—portrayed compellingly by Lucy Walters—a comic book artist who has suffered not just the loss of her brother, but also a stinging betrayal by her fiancé. As a coping mechanism, Cory has an unusual habit of making up extravagant stories and telling them to her younger sister, Sarah.

Ellen Foley gives a riveting performance as the nurturing and often overlooked middle sister, Sarah, who has been carrying the burden of keeping the family together after their brother's untimely death. All the while, she's also navigating the rocky terrain of a failing marriage. Sarah’s earnestness and sense of family responsibility make her the heart of the story, even though she's always been caught in the shadow of her successful elder siblings—Cory and their late brother.

Lastly, we have Alex Jennings, playing the role of their mother, Judy—a woman who juggles between grief, denial, and an unfulfilled marital life. She overlooks Sarah's efforts towards family unity and is oblivious to Cory’s tall tales until, in an ironic turn of events, Judy convinces the family to take a vacation to Cape Cod—a place that holds bittersweet past memories for the family.

The vacation turns out to be a journey of self-discovery for each character, as past secrets unravel and suppressed emotions rise to the surface. The beautiful seaside setting of Cape Cod provides a stark contrast to the family’s turmoil and the lies that have been carefully constructed over the years. The film neatly balances light hearted moments with intense emotional scenes, reflecting the constant ebb and flow of familial relationships.

A significant aspect of Lies I Told My Little Sister is its exploration of sibling relationships. The dynamic between Cory and Sarah forms the film's emotional core—sometimes heartwarmingly supportive, while other times filled with rivalry and misunderstanding. Cory's tales, although mostly make-believe, become an important part of their relationship, adding layers of complexity as they contend with the truth of their personal lives. Their banter is realistic, highlighting the familiar back-and-forth of sibling communication that can oscillate between affectionate and aggressive.

This film is also a masterclass in storytelling around the theme of loss. Besides handling the emotional impact of losing a loved one, it aptly portrays the feeling of loss occurring from broken relationships and shattered dreams. Characters are seen grappling to piece back their lives, and finding their way back to each other becomes a significant part of their healing process.

Combining elements of drama and comedy, Lies I Told My Little Sister is a touching narrative on the bonds of family, the consequences of lies, and the path to reconciliation. It's a movie that resonates particularly with anyone who has ever been a part of a family—making it essentially universal. This indie film, directed by William J. Stribling, and written by Judy White, springs from a very personal place and manages to handle heavy themes with a touch of humor and hope.

Watching Lies I Told My Little Sister, you might find moments that reverberate strongly with your own experiences of family, grief, betrayal, and the desire for belonging. If you enjoy films that blend emotion, humor, and human complexity, this one comes highly recommended. At the heart of it, it's a film about the capacity of the human soul to heal and the undeniable strength that families find in sticking together through the toughest of times.