In a bittersweet reminder of streaming’s fleeting nature, Netflix subscribers have mere weeks left to stream the elegant 2019 crime thriller The Good Liar, starring screen legends Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren. The film, directed by Bill Condon and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from Nicholas Searle’s acclaimed 2015 novel, is set to leave the platform next month amid licensing shifts. Now also available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, this sophisticated cat-and-mouse tale offers a final chance to savor two of Britain’s finest actors in a story of deception, unexpected tenderness, and simmering suspense.
Set in 2009 London, the plot centers on Roy Courtnay (McKellen), a seasoned, ruthless con artist who preys on the vulnerable through elaborate schemes. With his partner Vincent (Jim Carter), Roy orchestrates financial cons against greedy businessmen and lonely widows alike. His latest mark: Betty McLeish (Mirren), a recently widowed Oxford professor with millions in savings. Roy targets her via a mature online dating site, using charm and a fabricated persona to win her trust. What begins as a straightforward swindle evolves into something far more complicated when Roy moves into Betty’s elegant home—supposedly due to a “dodgy knee”—and finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her warmth and wit.
Betty’s protective grandson Steven (Russell Tovey) senses danger immediately, warning her against the charming stranger. Yet Betty, still grieving her late husband, welcomes Roy’s companionship. Their relationship deepens: shared dinners, quiet evenings, and a trip to Berlin where Roy’s carefully constructed lies begin to fray. As Roy pushes Betty to open a joint offshore account for his grand theft, a shocking revelation forces him to improvise, turning the con into a treacherous tightrope walk. The film’s restraint—subtle glances, loaded pauses, and understated menace—builds tension masterfully, culminating in twists that upend expectations and reveal hidden depths in both characters.
McKellen delivers a career-highlight performance as Roy: composed yet vicious, twinkly-eyed charm masking cold calculation. His transformation from suave companion to snarling predator is chilling, with flashes of vulnerability adding layers. Mirren matches him beat for beat as Betty—sharp, graceful, and quietly formidable. Their chemistry crackles with intelligence and mutual respect; every interaction feels alive with unspoken history. Critics praised the pairing as “irresistible,” with The Guardian calling it a “juicy” role for McKellen and Variety noting their “world-class” synergy. Though some found the plot predictable or implausible in spots (like easy large transfers), the leads elevate it into compelling watchable drama.
Shot across London’s shadowy streets, grand homes, and Berlin’s historic sites, the film evokes classic British thrillers with modern polish. Condon’s direction emphasizes elegance over excess, letting the stars’ presence carry the weight. Supporting turns from Carter and Tovey add texture, while the score and cinematography enhance the mood of quiet danger.
Released by Warner Bros. in November 2019, The Good Liar earned solid reviews (around 65% on Rotten Tomatoes) for its performances despite mixed plot feedback. It grossed modestly but found a devoted audience on streaming, where its intimate scale shines. As it exits Netflix, the departure feels poignant—like bidding farewell to a rare gem of adult-oriented suspense in an era of high-octane blockbusters.
With BBC iPlayer offering an alternative watch, fans still have time for one last viewing. This isn’t just a thriller; it’s a reminder of storytelling’s power when two icons match wits. McKellen and Mirren’s subtle dance of deception and discovery lingers long after the credits roll—poignant, clever, and utterly captivating.
Don’t miss your chance. Stream it soon, before the credits fade for good on Netflix.
The clock is ticking—two legends, one final con. Catch The Good Liar while you can! 
ebay.com
tvguide.com
imdb.com
