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.
