The Liar
A brilliantly deceptive British spy comedy featuring Asa Butterfield as the charming, silver-tongued Adrian Healey.
The Liar - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Liar
- Directed by: Tony Hagger
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: A-Z Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Liar - Plot
Adrian Healey is clever, charming and witty, but above all he is an expert liar. His unparalleled ability to consummately cheat and deceive is a skill that does not go unrecognized at one of England's finest educational establishments where he is groomed in the dark arts of spy craft. Whilst pursuing his first romance, Adrian is thrown into a wild and thrilling web of espionage. In a world where all is not what it seems, has Adrian met his match?
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The Liar - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tony Hagger
Main Cast
- Asa Butterfield
- Charles Dance
- Rupert Everett
- Tom Wilkinson
- Sally Phillips
- David Walliams
- Miles Jupp
- Ethan Lawrence
- Jeff Goldblum
Writers
- Tony Hagger
Producers
- Guy de Beaujeu
- Tony Hagger
The Liar - FAQs
Who plays Adrian Healey in The Liar?
Asa Butterfield plays Adrian Healey, the charming and brilliantly deceptive young protagonist at the heart of The Liar. Known for his roles in Hugo and Sex Education, Butterfield brings wit and charisma to this British spy comedy alongside a stellar ensemble cast.
What is The Liar about?
The Liar follows Adrian Healey, a clever and charming young man whose extraordinary talent for deception earns him a place in the shadowy world of espionage at an elite English school. As he navigates his first romance and a thrilling web of spy craft, nothing is quite what it seems.
Is The Liar based on a book?
Yes, The Liar is based on Stephen Fry's beloved 1991 comic novel of the same name. The book follows the same roguishly charming Adrian Healey through school, romance, and espionage, and has long been celebrated for its sharp wit and playful storytelling — qualities the film adaptation aims to capture.
Who directed The Liar?
The Liar was directed by Tony Hagger, who also wrote the screenplay and served as a producer on the film. It is a British production made under the A-Z Films banner, bringing Stephen Fry's witty novel to life with an impressive ensemble of British and Hollywood talent.
Who are the main actors in The Liar?
The Liar boasts a remarkable cast. Asa Butterfield leads as Adrian Healey, joined by Charles Dance, Rupert Everett, Tom Wilkinson, Sally Phillips, David Walliams, Miles Jupp, Ethan Lawrence, and Jeff Goldblum. It is a rich mix of British comedy veterans and acclaimed dramatic actors.
What genre is The Liar?
The Liar is a comedy — specifically a British spy comedy with a sharp, witty edge. It blends the classic coming-of-age format with espionage intrigue and playful deception, drawing on the comic tradition of Stephen Fry's original novel to deliver laughs alongside a genuinely entertaining plot.
What is the tagline of The Liar?
The tagline for The Liar is "Can you spy the truth?" — a clever nod to both the film's espionage storyline and its central theme of deception. It perfectly captures the playful, tongue-in-cheek spirit of the movie, where nothing and no one can be taken entirely at face value.
What movies are similar to The Liar?
If you enjoy The Liar, you might also like The Speech (2020), The Price of Family (2022), Run to You (2022), Masquerade (2022), and Guess Who's Calling! (2025). These films share a similarly light, comedic tone and offer entertaining stories with a mix of wit, charm, and playful twists.
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