80
With Separate Lies, Fellowes has made a truly adult film -- not because of its content or themes, but because it knows that real drama often lies in the accepted and unspoken realms of life.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
75
It touches deftly on class and race and sexual dissatisfaction and never lets up once it has put its characters under a microscope. Beautifully acted throughout, it showcases Watson's most complex performance in years.
75
New York Daily News by Jami Bernard
A neat, twisty little domestic drama about smart people, foolish choices.
88
If there's pleasure to be derived from the misfortunes of others, then Julian Fellowes' wickedly entertaining adaptation of Nigel Balchin's nearly forgotten 1951 novel is a barrel of fun.
80
The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
The story presents a moral morass involving betrayal, illicit sex, hypocrisy and a crime, yet the film feels tidy. Only one punch gets thrown, and you sense the perpetrator regrets his action immediately. It is all very British.
60
Village Voice by Laura Sinagra
Fellowes's larger goal seems to be making sympathetic characters of Anne and Bule, who for all their lovey-doveyness never emerge as much more than rich twits à la "The Great Gatsby."
91
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
Wilkinson once again astonishes with his ability to convey weakness and strength, hypocrisy and gallantry, cruelty and compassion in the same male animal.
50
A soufflé that begins promisingly but never quite rises.
88
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
Watson and Everett, both superb, bring ferocity and feeling to their roles. But the one you won't forget is Wilkinson (In the Bedroom) in a towering performance of grace and grit that deserves to put him on Oscar's shortlist. Good show.
60
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
The movie is so busy constructing its labyrinthine plot that it often forgets to plumb the souls of its characters.