Hotstar’s School of Lies Review: Although seasoned actors and stunning camerawork certainly contribute to the overall quality of a thriller, they alone are inadequate to compensate for what could have been an outstanding web series. While experienced actors bring depth and skill to their performances, and visually striking camerawork adds aesthetic appeal, a truly exceptional thriller requires more.
Hotstar’s School of Lies Review Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ | 3/5
Hotstar’s School of Lies Cast: Nimrat Kaur, Aamir Bashir, Sonali Kulkarni, Varin Roopani
Hotstar’s School of Lies Director: Avinash Arun
Hotstar’s School of Lies Story: The premise of the series revolves around the disappearance of a child, with the events that unfold claiming to be inspired by true events, according to the filmmakers. This setup sets the stage for a potentially compelling narrative. The notion that the story is grounded in reality adds an element of intrigue and draws the audience in. It creates a sense of anticipation as viewers anticipate the twists and turns that will unravel in the search for the missing child.
Hotstar’s School of Lies Review
While the narrative of the series shows promise in terms of building tension, the performances unfortunately lack depth and passion. It appears that the makers prioritize creating palpable and atmospheric tension over allowing the actors to emote fully.
Additionally, the gloomy atmosphere of the fictional town where the series is set begins to feel monotonous and devoid of life after a certain point. The setup reminds me of Sujoy Ghosh’s “Kahaani 2,” where an inquisitive woman delves into a child’s trauma.
In this series, Kaur, a talented and capable actor, delivers a restrained performance as she relentlessly seeks answers regarding the missing child and the events that transpired. Aamir Bashir, whom I have always enjoyed as an actor since “Armaan” (2003), is also part of the series.
The children in the show are portrayed realistically, without being overly precocious, which is a relief. As the title suggests, “School of Lies” revolves around a boarding school that conceals numerous secrets, hinting at a hidden depth beyond the surface.
The series manages to be captivating at times but also falls into a predictable and uninspired pattern at other moments. It would have benefited from adding more layers to the performances and injecting more vibrancy into the overall visual aesthetic. This could have enhanced the impact of the story and its narrative.
However, despite these shortcomings, it is important to not dwell too much on complaints and acknowledge the positive aspects of the show.