Sex, Lies, and Videotape

Play trailer

Sex, Lies, and Videotape

R

1989

1h 41m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

56 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Ann (Andie MacDowell) is trapped in a sexually and emotionally unfulfilled relationship with her husband, John (Peter Gallagher), a successful but unpleasant lawyer who is sleeping with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). The underlying tensions in the couple's marriage rise to the surface when Graham (James Spader), a friend of John's from college who's been drifting for nine years, returns to town and videotapes Cynthia and Ann as they talk about their sexual desires.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

In his feature directorial debut, Steven Soderbergh demonstrates a mastery of his craft well beyond his years, pulling together an outstanding cast and an intelligent script for a nuanced, mature film about neurosis and human sexuality.

Read Critics Reviews

David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

02/16/2018

I was disappointed. I think it's been overhyped and I can't understand why people rave about it the way they do.

Go to Full Review

Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

12/09/2011

What amazes is that at just 26, Soderbergh displays the three qualities associated with mature filmmakers: a unique authorial voice, a spooky camera assurance, and the easy control of ensemble acting.

Go to Full Review

Empire Magazine

12/09/2011

5/5

Soderbergh has assembled his cast into a fascinating jigsaw of neuroses, which then leap from the screen thanks to his intriguingly intellectual script.

Go to Full Review

Noah Berlatsky

Splice Today

Jan 20

Sex, Lies and Videotape remains a gloriously odd, perfect little film.

Go to Full Review

Natasha Alvar

The Fiction Department

01/16/2025

Soderbergh’s film emphasizes that technology can impede human connection and intimacy. Graham was using the videotapes to build a faux sense of intimacy so he could get off – a mere voyeur taking pleasure from the objectification of his subjects.

Go to Full Review

Bianca Garner

Filmotomy

10/07/2024

Graham is an oddball, but you can't help but admire his bohemian, laid back approach to life.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Orin D

@RT64117979 Dec 7

This film was better than I expected it to be & in the end was really a happy love story, as the only two really likable people in it ended up together. I liked it that Graham destroyed all of his tapes & his camera @ the end. Highly recommended. directorial debut. Orin P. Domenico

See more

thiago s

@Thiagostone Oct 20

Filme bacaninha, o roteiro é mais ou menos, as cenas são bacaninhas, a história é mais ou menos, o elenco é mais ou menos, e poucos ajudam a melhorar o filme, os personagens são mais ou menos, com tudo isso, eu recomendo esse filme.

See more

kevenquinlan T

@RT75276071 Jun 14

For a movie w/ the mellow pacing of this one, you might think it's a sleeper but you'd be mistaken. Really great acting, tastefully shot, great story. To think that at one time humans were thoughtful and delved into each other and their feelings- watching this now in 2025 is like watching a time capsule of when people interacted. Compelling story, I even like the kind of distant ambient music during parts of it. It was between a 4 1/2 and a 5 but given the time displacement and how REAL it still feels, I think it's a justified 5. It's also kind of a movie that had started Soderbergh's career- and he's an iconic director on most peoples top ten list. An easy add to your movie collection.

See more

K W

@KraigwithaK 02/18/2025

This is always worth a rewatch. Such an inspired story and execution

See more

雅苏典

04/19/2024

一般我是不感冒感味人性的片子的，因为比起情节的波折情感的复杂更难以并懒得归纳，不过这部的娓娓道来般的层层推进却颇意外地舒服，即使看得仍云里雾里未暇细品却还不失舒服

See more

Shioka O

@RT54204327 02/27/2024

Watched in 2024. Looking retro, but still truly interesting and absorbing.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Steven Soderbergh

Director

James Spader

Graham

Andie MacDowell

Ann

Peter Gallagher

John

Laura San Giacomo

Cynthia

Ron Vawter

Therapist

Less Than Zero

50%

63%

Less Than Zero

Watchlist

Cal

92%

79%

Cal

Watchlist

Vital Signs

43%

33%

Vital Signs

Watchlist

Bright Lights, Big City

59%

38%

Bright Lights, Big City

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Bright Lights, Big City

1969

50%

45%

1969

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Ann (Andie MacDowell) is trapped in a sexually and emotionally unfulfilled relationship with her husband, John (Peter Gallagher), a successful but unpleasant lawyer who is sleeping with her sister, Cynthia (Laura San Giacomo). The underlying tensions in the couple's marriage rise to the surface when Graham (James Spader), a friend of John's from college who's been drifting for nine years, returns to town and videotapes Cynthia and Ann as they talk about their sexual desires.

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Producer: Bobby Newmyer, John Hardy
Distributor: Miramax Films, Criterion Collection
Production Co: Outlaw Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 4, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.7M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Surround