Deception

2008

Deception

Critics Consensus

Deception is a middling, predictable potboiler with mediocre dialogue and ludicrous plot twists.

11%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 100

31%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 80,178
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Movie Info

"Are you free tonight?" A simple enough question, but how Jonathan McQuarry answers it will change his life forever. A corporate auditor adrift in a sea of New York's power elite, Jonathan's work is his entire life. But, a chance meeting with Wyatt Bose, a charismatic corporate lawyer, introduces Jonathan to a decadent playground for Manhattan's executive upper crust. For these power brokers, whose 18-hour workdays leave no time for a personal life, there's "The List"--a sex club, of sorts, where the right cell-phone number and four simple words ("Are you free tonight?") can lead to an evening's sexual fulfillment. It's a world of "intimacy without intricacy," as Jonathan's first conquest (or vice versa) explains to him, and through The List Jonathan discovers a side of himself that he didn't know existed. But an affair with a ravishing and mysterious stranger known to Jonathan only by her first initial 'S', will expose him to yet another world he never imagined--one of betrayal, treachery and murder.

Cast

Hugh Jackman
as Wyatt Bose
Ewan McGregor
as Jonathan McQuarry
Michelle Williams
as S
Lisa Gay Hamilton
as Det. Russo
Maggie Q
as Tina
Natasha Henstridge
as Wall Street Analyst
Lynn Cohen
as Woman
Danny Burstein
as Clute Controller
Malcolm Goodwin
as Cabbie
Charlotte Rampling
as Wall Street Belle
Frank Girardeau
as Mr. Lewman
Bill Camp
as Clancey Controller
Bruce Altman
as Lawyer No.1
Andrew Ginsburg
as Lawyer No.2
Stephanie Roth Haberle
as Assistant Controller
Christine Kan
as Tennis Player No.1
Dante Spinotti
as Herr Kleiner/Mr. Moretti
Karolina Muller
as Waitress
Agnete Oernsholt
as Woman at Waldorf Astoria
Melissa Rae Mahon
as Velvet Rope Dancer #1
Rachel Montez Collins
as Velvet Rope Dancer #2
Holly Cruikshank
as Velvet Rope Dancer #3
Deborah Yates
as Tango Dancer
Zoe Perry
as Secretary #1
Aya Cash
as Secretary #2
Paz de la Huerta
as List Member #1
Daisy Bates
as List Member #2
Shannan Click
as List Member #3
Jordan Tesfay
as List Member #4
Rachael Taylor
as List Member #4
Sally Leung Bayer
as Old Woman
Kenneth Lee
as Waiter
Kenneth G. Yong
as Lotus Hotel Clerk
Paul Sparks
as Det. Burke
James Mazzola
as Locksmith
Lisa Kron
as Receptionist
Margaret Colin
as Ms. Pomerantz
Peter Scanavino
as Rhiga Desk Clerk
Frank Deal
as Police Officer
Florencia Lozano
as Clancey Receptionist
Chandler Parker
as Uniform Cop
Emelie Jeffries
as Medical Examiner
Peter Jay Fernandez
as Businessman on Airplane
Mercedes Herrero
as Bank Greeter
Gene Harrison
as Mr. Lewman Stunt Double
Daniel Lugo
as Mr. Ruiz
Javier Godino
as Bank Manager
Brian Slaten
as Younger Officer
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News & Interviews for Deception

Critics Consensus: Parental Advisory for Baby Mama; Harold and Kumar Is Up In Smoke
Box Office Guru Preview: Odd Couples Invade Multiplexes
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Critic Reviews for Deception

All Critics (100) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (89)

  • The success of thrillers like this one depends heavily on skillfully handled smoke and mirrors, but Deception's predictable plot turns won't really deceive anyone.

    Nov 5, 2018 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Drew Toal

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • When sex (and mystery) gives way to a multimillion-dollar heist (and explanations), the whole thing just gets silly. Sexy fun for a while, though.

    Nov 5, 2018 | Full Review…

    Bob Mondello

    NPR
    Top Critic

  • The difference between a decent thriller and Deception is that a good thriller at least tries to keep you guessing with a few twists and turns.

    Nov 5, 2018 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Catherine Chambers

    BBC.com
    Top Critic

  • When you advertise an erotic thriller and then give us a comedy, that's deception in any language.

    Oct 18, 2008 | Rating: C-

    Joe Williams

    St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Top Critic

  • It is about as erotic as a midweek National Express coach journey to Hitchin.

    Oct 18, 2008 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • There's not a twist in this flimsy and moth-eaten plot that isn't both contrived and transparent and not a character who hasn't been hopelessly manipulated by the needs of the narrative.

    Jun 10, 2008 | Rating: 1.5/4 | Full Review…

    James Berardinelli

    ReelViews
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (100)

Audience Reviews for Deception

  • Nov 24, 2012
    An accountant finds himself enmeshed in a blackmail scheme and a mysterious list of liaisons. This is just your run-of-the-mill, hackneyed thriller. There aren't any surprises, and the few moments of lascivious fun aren't enough to lure anybody except a twelve-year-old who has never seen a boob before. Even the performances by Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams feel phoned in, and Hugh Jackman has never been worse. Overall, there are worse films, but there is nothing that sets this film apart from its peers.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
  • Apr 14, 2012
    Like a Youtube video farce of a thriller, but with highly recognizable faces, this one plays an old game of bait and switch and hopes you'll play along and pretend to be surprised. I doubt you will. Although very stylized looking, ultimately an empty exercise.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jul 23, 2011
    You think it's hard to make a bad movie with three really good actors? Watch Deception, some kind of a thriller/drama, and you'll see it is possible! The director Marcel Langenegger with the assistance of the screenplay by Mark Bomback manage to destroy everything stars Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman, and Michelle Williams had to offer. It was watchable, but I did not mind my snacks in between without pausing the film because it was very predictable! If you have nothing better to do and you run out of good movies... yes, put it on your DVD and watch it... or call your retired neighbour and play scrabble? Just a thought!
    Panta O Super Reviewer
  • Feb 08, 2011
    Back in the 70's or 80's, this movie may have had a chance, but I think audiences (including myself) are too jaded by the "shocking twist/ twist ending" storyline, considering virtually every movie employs this tactic now. I appreciate that they drop obvious hints, and don't expect us to be surprised - unfortunately, this results in just sitting around for 40 minutes waiting for the next twist to happen. Good performances, but I can't begin to care about the plot. Lethargic, to be polite, Why isn't this 20 minutes shorter, to be honest.
    Curt C Super Reviewer
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