Dark, twisted, and emotionally layered, We Were Liars pulls you into its web of secrets and never lets go. E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel We Were Liars already packed an emotional punch with its haunting twist and poetic prose, but the new series adaptation does something rare: it honors the original while elevating the experience. Staying true to the book’s structure and mystery, the show goes deeper into the cracks of the Sinclair family’s polished facade, fleshing out relationships, motivations, and long-buried secrets that were only hinted at on the page.
We Were Liars Review
The series is a visual stunner. The private island setting feels almost like a character itself, sun-kissed yet eerie, idyllic yet isolating. The cinematography captures both the seductive beauty of the Sinclair wealth and the darkness festering beneath it. From long shots of crashing waves to the intimate tension of candlelit family dinners, the visuals keep you on edge, hinting that nothing is as perfect as it seems.
The performances are exceptional across the board, especially from the four young leads. Emily Alyn Lind, Shubham Maheshwari, Joseph Zada, and Esther McGregor, who portray the Liars, form the emotional heart of the story. Their chemistry is undeniable, and each brings a distinct energy to their role: raw vulnerability, quiet intensity, emotional complexity, and infectious charm. Together, they ground the series in a believable, emotionally rich friendship that draws viewers in and never lets go. Their work deepens the impact of the story’s themes and carries the narrative with impressive grace and maturity.
Candice King delivers a career-defining performance as Bess Sinclair. Known to many from The Vampire Diaries, King goes to emotional depths we haven’t seen from her before. She portrays Bess with a layered intensity, an outwardly put-together mother clinging to perfection, while quietly unraveling under the pressure of generational expectations and grief. Her arc is devastating, powerful, and beautifully human. It’s a role that stretches her acting chops in all the right ways, and she absolutely rises to the occasion.
The show doesn’t shy away from its core themes: the toxic illusions of wealth, the burden of legacy, and the brutal truths we sometimes refuse to see. The message that money can’t buy happiness, and often masks deep-rooted pain, is delivered with chilling clarity.
Credit is also due to the writers, who handled the source material with care and creativity. They expertly weaved in flashbacks, repressed memories, and symbolic imagery to enrich the storytelling. Every detail feels intentional, drawing viewers further into Cadence’s unraveling mind and the chilling truth at the center of it all.
In short, We Were Liars is more than a faithful adaptation. It’s a deeply emotional, visually captivating, and hauntingly beautiful series that lingers long after the final episode. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the book or stepping onto the Sinclair family’s island for the first time, this series is a must-watch.
We Were Liars Synopsis
Based on the best-selling novel by E. Lockhart, We Were Liars, the series follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her tight-knit inner circle, nicknamed the Liars, during their summer escapades on her grandfather’s New England private island. The Sinclairs are American royalty — known for their good looks, old money, and enviable bond — but after a mysterious accident changes Cadence’s life forever, everyone, including her beloved Liars, seems to have something to hide.
We Were Liars is streaming exclusively on Prime Video, June 18, 2025.