nigel balchins mazelike novel a way wood adapted julian fellowes also directs terribly british drawing room suspense piece film whose effect relies cast portraying varyingly benignmalignant characters fellowes directorial choices superb story linear line easy follow beauty film metamorphosis player single incident ignites minefield disastersbr br james manning tom wilkinson successful business obsessed solicitor london married anne emily watson needs life couple childless live country beautiful estate assisted long term cleaner maggie linda bassett attend social outings meet among others william bule rupert everett passively lazy wealthy neighbor anne decides entertain neighbors gruff james protestation anne proceeds planning james arranges not attend due business night party hit run accident maggies husband accidentally killed someone range rover she observed james returns home sees scratch williams range rover suspects william perpetrator anne discourages james going police information what possible good ruin bills life socialite father son important scion first lie virus spreads james confronts bill talks james going police anne confesses driving bills rover one responsible james convinces anne keep quiet would ruin reputation anne confesses affair bill three concur stick together big lie sake greater good anne eventually succumbs guilt telling beloved maggie one responsible maggie guilty previous theft whose life saved annes mercy hire anyway agent draws story surprising conclusion lies begat lies begat lies et ceterabr br the major impact intrigue manner isolated tragedy impacts characters involved changes dramatic way tome wilkinson gives finest performance career filled brilliant performances able say posture facial expressions actor audience today likewise gifted emily watson adds yet another fine role repertoire surprisingly smarmy rupert everett who despite yet another wealthy british gentleman gives us man arid spirit yet ultimately needy alwaysfine linda bassett takes small role finesses making character quietly central chaotic web liesbr br the cinematography tony pierceroberts musical score stanislas syrewicz add immeasurably multiple atmospheres story encounters ensemble playing finest always means director julian fellowes fine grasp piece interplay fine people makes dodgy story work well indeed grady harp