Sex, Lies, and Videotape

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Sex, Lies, and Videotape

R

1989

1h 41m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

53 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.

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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.

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David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

Feb 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.

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Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

Dec 9, 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.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Oct 18, 2008

This is a sexy, nuanced, beautifully controlled examination of how a quartet of people are defined by their erotic impulses and inhibitions.

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Noah Berlatsky

Splice Today

Jan 20, 2026

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

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Natasha Alvar

The Fiction Department

Jan 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.

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Bianca Garner

Filmotomy

Oct 7, 2024

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

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Orin D

@RT64117979 Dec 7, 2025

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

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Oct 20, 2025

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.

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kevenquinlan T

@RT75276071 Jun 14, 2025

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.

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K W

@KraigwithaK Feb 18, 2025

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

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雅苏典

@RT19153018 Apr 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

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Shioka O

@RT54204327 Feb 27, 2024

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

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Steven Soderbergh

Director

James Spader

Graham

Andie MacDowell

Ann

Peter Gallagher

John

Laura San Giacomo

Cynthia

Ron Vawter

Therapist

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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

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