The Lesser Evil (1998)

60% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
57% of users liked it
(66 ratings)

David Mackay directed this drama about the secrets of four friends. Missouri lumberman Derek (Colm Feore) reunites his high school pals -- lawyer George (David Paymer), priest Ivan (Arliss Howard), and police officer Frank (Tony Goldwyn) -- who were all involved in past violent deaths and cover-ups.… More David Mackay directed this drama about the secrets of four friends. Missouri lumberman Derek (Colm Feore) reunites his high school pals -- lawyer George (David Paymer), priest Ivan (Arliss Howard), and police officer Frank (Tony Goldwyn) -- who were all involved in past violent deaths and cover-ups. The film double-tracks their stories as it intercuts between past and present. Shown in 1998 at the Austin Film Festival, the Houston Film Festival and the AFI Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: David MacKay
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Aug 28, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Sep 28, 1999

Critic Reviews

Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
The overwrought performances of the adult actors and the overall staginess of their section keeps this thriller from truly thrilling.

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Featured Audience Ratings

nefnie l

Apparently not a well-known movie. I happened upon this little gem on IFC the other day. It's a played out story of friends reuniting years later after a tragedy in their early days, except this was really well-done and interesting with a twist. The flashback story unfolds… More
Apparently not a well-known movie. I happened upon this little gem on IFC the other day. It's a played out story of friends reuniting years later after a tragedy in their early days, except this was really well-done and interesting with a twist. The flashback story unfolds dramatically throughout the movie, as the tension and story build in current time. The twist was unpredictable, at least to me, and the back/forth in time was done without feeling chaotic and leading to confusion. Great acting by both sets of actors playing the younger and older roles provide the icing on the cake.

Cast

David Paymer

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The Lesser Evil (1998)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

nefnie l

Cast

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