“There’s no way they killed their parents. Where’s the motive, where’s the gun?”

Investigative journalist Edie Hansen (Natalie Dormer) discovers that her estranged brother (Langley Kirkwood) has been murdered in his opulent mansion. The plot thickens when her brother’s teenage children, Daniel (Daniel Schultz) and Jaime (Morgan Santo), emerge as prime suspects.

Edie’s world is thrown into chaos as she delves deeper into the investigation. She clashes with seasoned detective Forty Bell (Brendon Daniels) while navigating the complexities of a corrupt political system and the secretive world of the ultra-wealthy. As the truth unravels, Edie confronts not only the killer but also the dark secrets of her own family and the city she calls home.

White Lies, directed by John Trengove, is a gripping crime thriller set against the opulent backdrop of Bishopscourt, Cape Town. The series offers a captivating exploration of privilege, power, and the lies that bind people together.

8 Thrilling Episodes

With its 8 thrilling episodes, White Lies captivates and hooks viewers like few series can. From the very first episode, the mystery escalates without ever becoming ridiculous. The screenplay and direction transport the viewer into a surreal world, one of the rich who create their own exclusive neighborhood on the outskirts of impoverished and violent areas.

The series’ creators don’t shy away from the real issues facing South Africa, addressing inequality, systemic corruption, and pervasive racism. They delve into both racial tensions between Black and white individuals and the resentment caused by the promotions of certain non-white people within various levels of the system.

Tension is at the heart of the narrative, with each character seemingly consumed by hatred for the others. This hatred stems from personal experiences and social class differences. The murder of the father and the mother’s coma further intensify the tension.

The story takes the viewer on a journey through a web of lies and discoveries, seeking not only the killer but also the “why.”

Little Lies, Big Lies

As the saying goes, every family has its secrets. In White Lies, this notion is perfectly exploited. Every secret, big or small, remains credible, contributing to the mystery and drawing the viewer in until the final episode. And what a finale! One of the best series finales ever. The perfect length, not a minute too long or too short.

From beginning to end, the screenplay, direction, and editing successfully make the viewer doubt every character, one by one, until the final episode. For most viewers unfamiliar with the perverse world of extreme wealth, each episode will offer surprises, discoveries, and perhaps a bit of disgust.

In a society where corruption reigns supreme, justice takes on a different meaning. It’s the kind of justice where they say, “Listen, find a culprit and close the case. Doesn’t matter who it is, just close the case.” But in a system where almost all police officers are Black, who will be the scapegoat? I’ll leave that to you to ponder.

And don’t worry about secrets, as every character harbors at least one that will surprise the viewer without losing their interest. The plot is truly well-crafted.

A Little More…

The result is a simply brilliant series! Anyone who loves intrigue will be captivated by White Lies.

The title is quite interesting, as a “white lie” is a harmless little lie told to avoid hurting someone. Like telling a child their drawing is beautiful, even if it’s just scribbles.

However, this series demonstrates how multiple little lies can lead to a big lie and a difficult reality to grasp. Here, these “pious lies” collide with a major lie, culminating in a sordid murder story.

The series is now available on Sundance Now. If you’re not a subscriber, it might be time to give the service a try!

Trailer