: The English title, Lie with Me , cleverly refers to both the physical act of intimacy and the fabric of lies the characters constructed to survive in an unaccepting society. Memory as a Parallel Narrative Film Review: "Lie with Me" (2022) - Omnivorous
(Guillaume de Tonquédec), a famous novelist who returns to his hometown of Cognac for the first time in 35 years. He has been invited to serve as an ambassador for a prestigious cognac brand. Cinémas Studio While there, he meets
The narrative gracefully weaves between a sun-drenched 1984 summer and a crisp, reflective present day.
“De Tonquédec’s performance is a masterclass in repressed grief. Watch his eyes when he first sees Lucas—you’ll feel 35 years of longing in two seconds.” — lie with me film 2022 verified
(French title: Arrête avec tes mensonges ) is a 2022 French drama film directed by Olivier Peyon . Based on the best-selling autobiographical novel by Philippe Besson , the film explores the enduring impact of first love and the profound consequences of living a secret life. Production Overview Director: Olivier Peyon Based On: Lie with Me by Philippe Besson
The cinematography, featuring the sun-kissed vineyards of Cognac, is lauded for capturing both the beauty of the French countryside and the "autumnal haze" of nostalgia.
. The film is an adaptation of the autobiographical 2017 novel of the same name by Philippe Besson : The English title, Lie with Me ,
The film is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Tubi . You can also rent or purchase the digital version from most major video-on-demand services.
The narrative unfolds across two timelines, transitioning between the present day and the summer of 1984 in the rural French town of Cognac:
This film is a legitimate, recognized French production, often confused with other films of the same name. Its status as an adapted work from acclaimed author Philippe Besson, and its theatrical release in France in 2022–2023, confirms its legitimacy. Cinémas Studio While there, he meets The narrative
Olivier Peyon Based on: The novel by Philippe Besson Starring: Guillaume de Tonquédec, Victor Belmondo, Jérémy Gillet, Guilaine Londez
As Stéphane navigates the public relations duties of the event, he discovers that Lucas is the son of , his first great love—a secret, passionate summer romance from when they were both 17 years old. Thomas, now absent from the town, left behind a legacy of silence, marriage, and family. Through a series of flashbacks, we witness teenage Stéphane (Jérémy Gillet) and teenage Thomas (Julien De Saint Jean) navigating a clandestine affair in the 1980s, a time when homosexuality was far less accepted in rural France.
As Stéphane spends time with Lucas, he learns that Thomas is gone (having died two years prior). Lucas has never known the truth about his father’s past. The film becomes a delicate, devastating dance: Stéphane reliving the ecstasy and trauma of his first love while deciding whether to finally break a 35-year silence and give Lucas—and himself—the truth.