I have watched many television shows and movies but nothing has kept me on the edge of my couch quite like “Tell Me Lies”.
The Disney+ series is a messy and intoxicating offering.
The Emma Roberts executive-produced drama, which is based on Carola Lovering’s best-selling novel of the same name, delves deep into the nature of toxic romantic relationships and the devastating impacts for years to come.
There is plenty of betrayal, sex, drugs and, of course, lies, as it touches on family trauma, fragmented friendship and the brutality of love.
It also brings to life relationship struggles like gaslighting, ghosting, limerence and toxic masculinity.
The show stays true to its tagline: “You never forget your worst” as it centres around the tumultuous relationship between college students Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White) over a eight-years.
The industry newcomer duo, who are dating in real life, have excelled in their roles.
“Tell Me Lies” kicks off with a tragedy just days after Lucy starts college at the fictional Baird College, her roommate Macy (Lily McInery) dies in a car accident after a raunchy college party.
She tries to distract herself from her grief by attending a get together with her new friends Bree (Catherine Missal) and Pippa (Sonia Mena), and while there she meets Stephen, a charming, mysterious and ambitious senior. From the time they lock eyes, she is instantly hooked and they begin a salacious affair. But Lucy is unaware that he is already in a relationship with the school’s IT girl Diana (Alicia Crowder).
Stephen plays them both and manipulates the women at his will.
He also uses his friends Wrigly (Spencer House), Evan (Branden Cook) and Drew (Benjamin Wadsworth) for his own benefit.
With a horrid family history and financial troubles, Stephen is very insecure and controlling.
Meanwhile, Lucy is dealing with her father’s death and trying to heal her fragmented relationship with her mother. And when it comes to Stephen, she ignores all of his red flags and grows increasingly obsessed with him.
The end of season one saw a dramatic turn of events which forced a change in the group. Lucy’s toxicity also adds to the mayhem.
As season two, which started streaming this month, begins, the aftermath of the party where this all played out continues to haunt Lucy, Stephen and their friends as secrets continue to unravel.
Meanwhile, new boy Leo (Thomas Doherty), joins the mix as Lucy and Stephen continue their power struggle which is driven by their insecurities.
“Lucifer” star Tom Ellis joins the cast as Professor Oliver who has a thing for college girls.
As episodes drop weekly, there is sure to be much more drama and heartache ahead.
Just like with “This is Us”, “Tell Me Lies” includes time lapses over almost a decade.
The scenes alternate between the present with them in college and then into the future where the group are leading very different lives. This creates riveting suspense as viewers attempt to piece together what led them onto these paths.
The leads steal the show with their poignant performances which evokes a wide range of emotions and makes you feel like you are part of their journey. At one moment, you might feel like the couple is in it for the long run, but, at other times, you will be filled with rage, heartache, disgust and utter shock.
The series also does well to provide insight into the dark side of the human psyche and to provide explanations for why people behave in the way that they do.
If you want to escape into a story, which will leave you guessing and feeling all your emotions, “Tell Me Lies” is worth a watch.