A Hundred Lies – Not to be missed

A Hundred Lies is directed by the incredibly talented Rouzbeh Heydari, he brings to life an emotionally charged masterpiece that dives deep into the turbulent world of Toronto’s music scene. From the moment the film begins, you’re instantly drawn into the intertwined lives of its characters, whose personal struggles and triumphs are brought to life through an exceptional cast and a mesmerising soundtrack.

Rob Raco delivers a standout performance as Ricky, a once-promising musician now turned bartender, haunted by the shadows of his past. Raco embodies the pain and regret of a man who once had the world at his feet, making his journey one that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. He oozes such an old-school John Travolta vibe. He is an instant draw, which makes investing in his character and his story worthwhile. His chemistry with Humberly González, who plays Fiona, is intense, the moment these two cross each other’s paths we know we’re in for a rollercoaster ride. González’s portrayal of a runaway musician seeking comfort and value in her art is nothing short of brilliant. She captures the vulnerability and determination of a young woman trying to find her voice in a world that often drowns out the voices of those who need to be heard most. Our two leads deserve awards for their portrayal of these characters.

What truly puts the pedal to the metal in A Hundred Lies is how seamlessly it weaves music into its narrative. The songs aren’t just background noise; they’re a reflection of the characters’ innermost thoughts and emotions, giving the film more story and feeling without cramming down our throats through scenes. The music is essentially the main character itself. The hooks from the songs linger in your brain long after the credits roll, something that really shows how well the music complements the storytelling.

Rouzbeh Heydari’s direction is masterful, creating a suspense-filled thriller that’s grounded in the raw and often brutal reality of the music industry. He expertly balances moments of tension with scenes of genuine heart, making the film an emotional roller coaster that leaves you both exhilarated and reflective. The pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat, and even though the film wraps up sooner than expected, it leaves you wanting more. From the moment we witness our two leads in a bar at the beginning to navigate the world of music and then onto the slight successes and music moguls chiming in with their thuggish attitude, the movie wraps and I found myself checking to make sure I hadn’t skipped anything. But sadly this is one movie that could have been longer and I wouldn’t have minded whatsoever.

In a world where the pursuit of success often comes at a steep price, A Hundred Lies stands out as a clear reminder of the highs and lows that accompany the journey of a musician. With its stellar cast, beautiful music, and compelling storytelling, this film is a must-see. It’s clearly a passionate project that hits every note, on every level and showcases the immense talent of everyone involved. Rouzbeh Heydari who wrote and directed this movie has created a perfect indie drama that should clear up at any awards event. This is a piece of cinema I’d highly recommend checking out.