‘Desperate Lies’ Netflix Series Review - The Saga of Liana and Her Babies

In Desperate Lies, a woman - Liana had to lie throughout her married life about her second son. He was born as a result of coitus outside marriage. Liana was raped and as she was on drugs inducing ovulation, her two eggs were released resulting in one being fertilized by her husband and the other by Oscar (the one who raped her). This phenomenon is called hyperovulation superfecundation.

As Liana already had two miscarriages she couldn't afford to lose the children this time. Although she decided to kill the second fetus or even give him up for adoption, in the end, she couldn't do either and raised him as well. She never differentiated between the two but Tomas couldn't develop any fatherly feelings towards him. Initially, her husband did support her still, but his efforts weren't enough and Tomas was often partial to his own blood.

The story is majorly based on this tragedy and how Liana did her best to balance the family. The couple hid it from everyone initially but the secret was out once Oscar returned back to Rio. He was always obsessed with Liana and when he had his doubts, he didn't back down until the truth came out. The plot of the show should've begun with various trigger warnings like sexual assault and murder. The part which saddens you the most is how Liana wasn't supported by her best friend despite confessing that she was raped.

In my opinion, Desperate Lies is a good watch with the only drawback being its extensive episodes. The show has a lot to tell the audience, making it tiresome at some points. There was nothing unique in the minds of the writers and they stretched the same plot over a timeline of eighteen to nineteen years. Maybe they forgot to put down their pens and kept on adding more and more things. The writers have stretched the story and it's not as if the short series style wouldn't have suited the plot. If you have enough time to watch seventeen episodes then this is an average pick and if you want to watch just for the sake of it then the first three and last two episodes would suffice.

The actors have done a great job of carrying this title and making it watchable. Apart from the actress playing Liana, not many actors have put in the effort or have the charm for you to appreciate their work. Till the seventh episode titled ‘Secrets and Shadows’, I was deeply engrossed by the show but then came a sudden realization that nothing new was being added. There'll be moments of realization regarding your wish to continue watching the show as a flow has been set in however, midway you lose interest. In the time frame you'll spend watching this Brazilian show, you can complete at least two great limited series.

The ending of the show is plausible and I didn't expect that they would go saying goodbye like this. Liana’s character will inspire the audience and Tomas being a prick gets what he rightfully deserves. Everyone's happy except the audience as the excruciating time it takes to finish the series makes your head spin. Those who can find sufficient time in their schedules can dedicate two to three days to this very dramatic Brazilian show.

Final Score – [6/10]
Reviewed by - Riya Singh
Follow @_riyasinghhh_ on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times