The Good Lie

Four Sudanese youths survive a brutal civil war and win a lottery that offers relocation to the United States. Mamere and Jeremiah, along with two others, travel to a city where they meet Carrie Davis, a blunt but well meaning volunteer, and Jack, a wary local aide who pushes them to adapt. The film follows their first encounters with buses, classrooms, and cafeteria food, and how humor, miscommunication, and small acts of kindness begin to bridge a wide cultural gap. Mamere bears guilt over the brother he left behind, a weight that shapes his decisions as they seek belonging in a new home. Their progress isn't only about surviving; they seek to build a sense of belonging and choose hope.

Directed by Philippe Falardeau, with a screenplay by Margaret Nagle, The Good Lie adapts the true story of the Lost Boys of Sudan, delivering a grounded, human look at migration, resilience, and friendship. The production foregrounds restrained performances that emphasize everyday challenges over melodrama.

The film grossed about 3.4 million worldwide against a 20 million budget, reflecting a modest box office run despite strong performances from Reese Witherspoon and a cast of first generation actors. Marketing highlighted the real life Lost Boys, and the film sparked conversations about refugee experiences, even as its commercial impact remained limited.

Critics praised a grounded look at displacement and the ache of leaving home, pairing quiet grief with moments of humor and resilience. Reese Witherspoon's Carrie Davis offers a steady anchor as the group adjusts to a new society, and the film treats trauma and hope with empathy. The narrative centers real people and concrete choices over sentimentality, inviting audiences to consider what belonging means when roots are left behind.