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Empire of Lies

Play trailer Poster for Empire of Lies 2026 1h 13m Crime Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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David "Dave" Harris lives alone in a remote campervan, cut off from society and haunted by the past. Once publicly accused of murdering his teenage daughter, Dave was never charged -- but the media verdict was swift and unforgiving, painting him as a dangerous conspiracy theorist driven by radical beliefs. When a young, ambitious YouTuber arrives at his door seeking an interview about the case, Dave reluctantly agrees to tell his story. As their conversation unfolds, Dave lays out his belief that his daughter was assassinated by the State -- and that he was framed to silence the truth. At first, his account seems plausible. Disturbingly so. But as the interview deepens, cracks appear. Motives blur. Certainties dissolve. And what begins as an exposé becomes a psychological duel, forcing both interviewer and audience to question where truth ends and obsession begins. The film builds toward a final revelation that reframes everything we've seen -- leaving the audience to decide whether Dave is a victim of a corrupt system, or something far more dangerous.

Critics Reviews

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Jennie Kermode Eye for Film 1d
3/5
Matthew Hope's low budget thriller is a exercise in what can be achieved with just two actors, a caravan and a field. Go to Full Review Matt Glasby Radio Times 1d
3/5
Although it sometimes feels like a lecture, the film hits harder than you might expect. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
Empire of Lies

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Cast & Crew

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Matthew Hope

Director

Joseph Millson

Actor

Natalie Spence

Actor

Matthew Hope

Screenwriter

Joseph Millson

Screenwriter

Matthew Hope

Producer
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Empire of Lies

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Movie Info

Synopsis David "Dave" Harris lives alone in a remote campervan, cut off from society and haunted by the past. Once publicly accused of murdering his teenage daughter, Dave was never charged -- but the media verdict was swift and unforgiving, painting him as a dangerous conspiracy theorist driven by radical beliefs. When a young, ambitious YouTuber arrives at his door seeking an interview about the case, Dave reluctantly agrees to tell his story. As their conversation unfolds, Dave lays out his belief that his daughter was assassinated by the State -- and that he was framed to silence the truth. At first, his account seems plausible. Disturbingly so. But as the interview deepens, cracks appear. Motives blur. Certainties dissolve. And what begins as an exposé becomes a psychological duel, forcing both interviewer and audience to question where truth ends and obsession begins. The film builds toward a final revelation that reframes everything we've seen -- leaving the audience to decide whether Dave is a victim of a corrupt system, or something far more dangerous.
Director
Matthew Hope
Producer
Matthew Hope, Joseph Millson
Screenwriter
Matthew Hope, Joseph Millson
Production Co
Exit 44 Entertainment
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 13m