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Layers of Lies is very commendable as a feature-length indie action film-no small feat in itself. It looks and feels like a real movie, with a clear introduction, buildup, and ultimately a conclusion. Unfortunately, it falls short in the areas audiences tend to value most: compelling entertainment or a distinct artistic vision.

The film's strongest suits are its cinematography and the execution of its combat scenes. The action is competently choreographed and often visually engaging, but these strengths can't overcome the weaknesses of a poor script. The story gives little reason to invest in its main characters, whose motives feel superficial, and whose journey quickly becomes little more than a conveyor belt to the next fight sequence.

Many of the actors deliver decent performances, despite dialogue that is sometimes painfully awkward. The sets are convincing, and the action flows smoothly, yet the script drains these elements of their potential impact. The fights rarely advance the plot or reveal anything new about the characters; they simply happen. There's little buildup, suspense, or sense of escalating danger-more often, the protagonist just walks into a fight, it runs its course, and then we move on.

The film is also weighed down by filler that adds nothing to character depth, along with an overuse of purposeless drone shots that feel more like a reel of cool-looking footage than a storytelling device.

For a film called Layers of Lies, there aren't many layers to uncover.

"Layers of Lies" marks a groundbreaking fusion of Finnish and Iranian cinema, delivering an adrenaline-pumping narrative through the vibrant streets of Tehran. Ramin Sohrab, in his directorial debut, crafts an electrifying action thriller following a man's reluctant plunge back into his criminal past. As portrayed by Ramin Sohrab himself, the protagonist navigates the pulsating metropolis, intertwining classic action drama with the grit of low-budget filmmaking. Jessica Wolff adds depth to the cast, enhancing the film's intensity. Sohrab's vision not only pioneers the first-ever Finnish-Iranian action film but also celebrates the beauty of collaboration and cultural diversity. "Layers of Lies" stands as a testament to Ramin Sohrab's captivating narrative prowess and the seamless blending of two cinematic worlds, marking an extraordinary milestone in the histories of Iranian and Finnish filmmaking.

Ramin Sohrab first landed on my radar when Screen Anarchy (branded Twitchfilm at the time) first broke a proof of concept he did titled "Malek". That right there, if nothing else, was proof that a star was in the making. LAYERS OF LIES is the result of a ten-year effort in that push to bring another name to the forefront of action movie fandom, and it's kind of surprising that a film like this would be met with any sort of dominantly negative criticism, let alone the exhausting hurdles and life-risking stakes to make an action film a reality.

Sohrab's debut, on both sides of the lens no less, deserves all the praise it can get. If you're a fan of modern action and regularly tout screen legends ranging from Jackie Chan and Jet Li to the likes of Johnny Yong Bosch and Marcus Shakesheff, then LAYERS OF LIES is undoubtedly worth the watch, and the fan chatter.

As most Farsi language movies are nowadays mainly about dramas within the typical four walls, this film is a refreshing approach to action out there, while showing both the ugly sides and the beautiful sides of Iran and her people. The camera crew and the music director deserve a medal each, for perfectly blending together the East and the West in this amalgamation of styles that is nothing short of a masterpiece. Mr. Sohrab seems poised to go far in Hollywood, as he has been the one to have written, produced, directed, and played in this movie. Also, all of the actors are amazing. Kudos, sir!