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

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Movie Info

As a corporate auditor who works in a number of different offices, Jonathan McQuarry (Ewan McGregor) wanders without an anchor among New York's power brokers. A chance meeting with charismatic lawyer Wyatt Bose (Hugh Jackman) leads to Jonathan's introduction to The List, an underground sex club. Jonathan begins an affair with a woman known only as S (Michelle Williams), who introduces Jonathan to a world of treachery and murder.

Cast & Crew

Hugh Jackman
Wyatt Bose
Ewan McGregor
Jonathan McQuarry
Michelle Williams
S
Lisa Gay Hamilton
Det. Russo
Maggie Q
Tina
Natasha Henstridge
Wall Street Analyst
Lynn Cohen
Woman
Danny Burstein
Clute Controller
Malcolm Goodwin
Cabbie
Charlotte Rampling
Wall Street Belle
Marcel Langenegger
Director
Mark Bomback
Screenwriter
Hugh Jackman
Producer
Arnold Rifkin
Producer
John Palermo
Producer
Robbie Brenner
Producer
David Bushell
Producer
Christopher Eberts
Producer
Marjorie Shik
Executive Producer
Dante Spinotti
Cinematographer
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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 (40) | 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.

    November 6, 2018 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…

    Drew Toal

    Time Out

  • As the double-crosses come thick and fast, it's hard to retain much curiosity about or sympathy for any of the film's duplicitous protagonists.

    November 6, 2018 | Full Review…

    Geoffrey Macnab

    Sight & Sound

  • 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.

    November 6, 2018 | Full Review…

    Bob Mondello

    NPR

  • 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.

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

    Catherine Chambers

    BBC.com

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

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

    Peter Bradshaw

    Guardian

  • An indigestible concoction of ingredients thrown together without the benefit of any serious consideration of logic.

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

    Steve Davis

    Austin Chronicle
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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