‘We Were Liars’ Review: Why Amazon’s YA Drama Falls Flat Despite Its Ambitious Twist

In the final hour of Amazon’s We Were Liars, things take an unexpected turn that truly grabs your attention. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say the big reveal is shocking. It’s a bold move that leaves viewers wide-eyed, though I’m not sure it lands as well as it could.

The series mixes elements of young adult romance, mystery, and a critique of wealth, yet it often feels like a rehash of familiar themes. Characters seem underdeveloped, and their choices push the limits of credibility.

In the story, 16-year-old Cadence (played by Emily Alyn Lind) is a young woman recovering from a traumatic brain injury. She washes ashore, unsure of how she got there, and returns to her family’s summer home, Beechwood Island. She hopes to jog her memory and understand her traumatic past.

Cadence’s search for answers mainly involves questioning family members who seem reluctant to share the truth. This slow unraveling, while engaging in places, can feel overly drawn out.

Initially, her summer experience seems like a sweet teenage romance, especially from the perspective of Gat (Shubham Maheshwari), a childhood friend. However, their chemistry lacks depth, leaving the love story feeling flat despite the director’s attempts to create tension through close-up shots.

As the summer progresses, themes of family privilege and internalized racism emerge, especially through Cadence’s observations about her affluent family. Cadence and her cousins begin to see the unpleasant realities hidden beneath their opulent lifestyle, which adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.

The show touches on how wealth can overshadow genuine affection. However, it risks losing impact, given the number of similar stories out there. Other shows like Succession and The White Lotus tackle these themes with more finesse and wit, making Cadence’s awakening seem somewhat trivial.

The climax ties various themes together but can feel implausible. The final twist aims for an emotional punch, perhaps meant to provide hope, but it may come off as confusing instead. Cadence herself expresses frustration with fairy-tale endings, and many viewers might feel the same.

Overall, We Were Liars presents an interesting story but struggles to offer fresh insights into familiar topics. With more character development and sharper storytelling, it could have been a standout.

For more on themes of wealth in media, you can check out this study by The Pew Research Center on the portrayal of economic disparity in film and television.

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Julie Plec,We Were Liars