What Is Lying and Stealing About?
The premise of Lying and Stealing in 350 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the glittering underbelly of Los Angeles, a world of glittering galleries and exclusive parties hides a quiet, high‑stakes trade in priceless masterpieces. The city’s elite, draped in designer glamour, move through marble foyers and private salons that double as perfect stages for someone with a particular set of skills. The tone is sleek and seductive, a mix of polished sophistication and the constant hum of danger that lingers just out of sight, promising both allure and peril for anyone daring enough to slip through the cracks.
Ivan Warding moves through this landscape like a shadow in a museum at night, his reputation built on an uncanny ability to take the extraordinary without ever being seen. Though his talent is undeniable, a restless yearning for redemption haunts him, urging him to consider a final, audacious venture that might finally let him step out of the perpetual chase. He carries the weight of his past—the expectations of a ruthless underworld benefactor and the strained ties to a brother whose own battles mirror his own, creating a tension that colors every decision he makes.
Enter Elyse Tibaldi, a charismatic and resourceful con artist whose own ambitions have led her into the same glittering circles Ivan frequents. Their meeting is as much a clash of personalities as it is a partnership of necessity, each recognizing in the other a mirror of their own desperation and yearning for a fresh start. Together, they navigate a maze of deception, where trust is as fragile as the finest porcelain and every whispered promise could be a stepping stone—or a trap.
As the pair plot their ultimate undertaking, the film settles into a mood that balances elegant heist‑craft with a relentless moral tug‑of‑war. The city itself becomes a character, its bright lights and hidden alleyways reflecting the internal conflicts of those who seek freedom through risk. The story teases the audience with the promise of a daring climax, while leaving the true cost of their choices tantalizingly out of reach, urging viewers to wonder just how far two strangers will go when redemption hangs in the balance.
What Happens in Lying and Stealing?
The complete story of Lying and Stealing, from the first scene to the last, in 618 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Ivan Warding, played by Theo James, is a skilled thief who specializes in lifting priceless artwork from the affluent residents of Los Angeles. The city’s elite has a vast collection of artworks valued at over a million dollars, but they often come with minimal security, making them a much more appealing target than banks. Ivan slips into these swanky parties through the rear entrances or kitchens, which are typically left unguarded. Once inside, he deftly swaps the original artwork with a replica while disposing of the real piece disguised as trash.
Despite his talent, Ivan feels the tightening grip of crime boss Dimitri Maropakis, portrayed by Fred Melamed, who demands that he continue in the art heist business. Ivan’s tumultuous relationship with his brother, Ray Warding, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, is complicated further by their struggles. Ray’s own troubles include rehabilitation for drug addiction, leading to his expulsion for trading medication in dubious ways.
To pay off Dimitri—who is entangled in Ivan’s father’s debts—Ivan uses the profits from his art thefts. Each heist allows him to stash away some cash in a safe in his apartment. When Ivan inquires about the total debt he owes Dimitri, he learns that the details remain ambiguous. It’s revealed that Dimitri’s brother, Eric Maropakis, takes care of the accounting. Dimitri’s racetrack operation is linked to the monetary issues instigated by Ivan’s father’s gambling addiction. Ivan resolves to quit this life after just two more jobs, though Dimitri realizes that Ivan has accrued a fair amount of savings.
Dimitri assigns Ivan a high-stakes task: to steal a self-portrait of Adolf Hitler from a veteran named John Wolf. A remarkable marksman, John is formidable, boasting a decorated military background, including the precise takedown of 11 enemy soldiers using only 26 bullets. His extensive collection of Nazi memorabilia is housed in a secure war room within his mansion.
Meanwhile, the ambitious and indebted actress Elyse Tibaldi, played by Emily Ratajkowski, finds herself caught up in her own deceptive games. After fleeing a troubling encounter with a producer, she swipes a necklace from his wife, leading to an unfortunate debt of $250,000 that prevents her from working in the city. Ivan and Elyse’s paths cross occasionally at similar high-profile venues.
In a clever twist, Ivan successfully pilfers the coveted portrait without breaking a sweat. He skillfully sedates John’s dogs, allowing him to sneak into the mansion undetected and extract the prized artwork. However, he soon discovers that detective Lyman Wilkers, acted by Isiah Whitlock Jr., is on his tail due to complaints from those he has robbed.
As the tension escalates, Ivan learns about Elyse’s financial struggles and her need to repay her producer. Their fates intertwine when Ivan decides to confront Dimitri regarding his surveillance issue, leading to a contentious negotiation. Against the backdrop of escalating danger, Ivan strategically enlists Elyse’s collaboration, even spending the night together.
Dimitri’s henchmen finally attempt to pilfer Ivan’s hidden stash, but Ivan’s foresight leads him to relocate the money, avoiding their grasp. In a dramatic showdown, Ivan encounters and dispatches one of the henchmen who ambushes him.
The plot thickens as Elyse picks up Dimitri under the guise of a night out, with Eric as their chauffeur. Unbeknownst to them, Dimitri recognizes Eric, resulting in a violent confrontation. Just as Elyse’s situation becomes dire, Ivan intervenes, revealing that Dimitri has been poisoned by Eric’s drug-laced drink, leading to his death from an overdose.
In the wake of the chaos, Ivan manages to restore order by returning the stolen art pieces and clearing Elyse’s debts. With newfound alliances, Ivan, Elyse, and Eric set their sights on future art heists, marking the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in their lives.
Lying and Stealing Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Ivan's Art Theft Initiation” to “A New Beginning”. 4 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Ivan's Art Theft Initiation
Ivan Warding, an adept thief, begins his career specializing in art heists in Los Angeles. His method involves infiltrating elite parties and stealthily replacing priceless artworks with replicas, showcasing his skill and cunning.
Where:Los Angeles
- 2
Pressure from Dimitri
Ivan finds himself under the thumb of crime boss Dimitri Maropakis, who pressures him to continue his illegal activities. Dimitri's influence stems from a debt owed by Ivan's father, setting a dark tone for Ivan's life choices.
- 3
Ray's Struggles
Ivan's relationship with his brother Ray is fraught with tension, primarily due to Ray's drug addiction. Following his troubling behavior, Ray faces repercussions leading to his rehabilitation efforts and strained family ties.
- 4
Quest to Repay Dimitri
To clear his family's debts to Dimitri, Ivan resorts to the profits from his art heists. Despite his determination, the ambiguous nature of the total debt leaves him anxious and uncertain about his future.
- 5
The High-Stakes Theft
Dimitri assigns Ivan a perilous mission to steal a Nazi self-portrait from veteran John Wolf. Armed with the knowledge of Wolf's military prowess as a sharpshooter, Ivan must navigate a risky operation to achieve his goal.
Where:Wolf's mansion
- 6
Encounter with Elyse
Elyse Tibaldi, an actress entangled in her own web of deceit, becomes a crucial character in the plot. After a series of unfortunate events, including stealing from a producer, she finds herself indebted and shouldering significant financial burdens.
- 7
Successful Heist
In a stunning display of skill, Ivan successfully steals the portrait from John Wolf without drawing attention. He cleverly uses sedatives on Wolf's guard dogs, demonstrating his proficiency in planning and execution of heists.
Where:Wolf's mansion
- 8
Detective on His Trail
Ivan's criminal activities inevitably attract unwanted attention, particularly from Detective Lyman Wilkers. Complaints from previous victims lead to an investigation that threatens to unravel Ivan's careful schemes.
- 9
Collaboration with Elyse
As tension mounts, Ivan's path converges with Elyse's when he learns about her financial troubles. A confrontational meeting with Dimitri leads Ivan to enlist Elyse's assistance, paving the way for their partnership.
- 10
Money Stash Heist
Dimitri's henchmen attempt to locate and steal Ivan's hidden stash of cash. Anticipating their move, Ivan cleverly relocates his money just in time, showcasing his resourcefulness in a precarious situation.
Show the other 5 events of Lying and Stealing Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Violent Encounter
In a gripping confrontation, Ivan finds himself face-to-face with one of Dimitri's henchmen. Utilizing his wit and combat skills, Ivan overcomes the henchman, reinforcing his determination to break free from Dimitri's grasp.
- 12
Elyse's Dangerous Night
Elyse picks up Dimitri for a night out, unwittingly leading him into peril. A recognition of Eric, Dimitri’s brother, leads to a heated confrontation that thrusts Elyse into a dangerous situation.
Where:Los Angeles
- 13
Dimitri's Downfall
As tensions peak, Ivan intervenes just in time to save Elyse. Dimitri suffers a fatal drug overdose after being poisoned by Eric, resulting in a shocking twist in the power dynamics among the characters.
- 14
Restoring Order
Following the chaos of Dimitri's death, Ivan takes steps to restore balance to their lives. He returns the stolen art pieces, effectively clearing Elyse's debts and freeing them from Dimitri's control.
- 15
A New Beginning
With their lives turned upside down, Ivan, Elyse, and Eric form an exhilarating new partnership. Together, they embark on a series of art heists, signaling the start of a thrilling adventure in the world of theft.
Who Are the Main Characters in Lying and Stealing?
3 characters, among them Ivan Warding, Elyse Tibaldi and Dimitri Maropakis: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Ivan Warding
Played by Theo James
Ivan is a skilled thief, adept at stealing priceless artworks from affluent homes. Struggling with the demands of crime boss Dimitri, he grapples with his moral compass and the consequences of his actions. Despite his criminal life, he navigates the world with charm and cunning, revealing a deeper desire for freedom from his past.
- 🕵️♂️ Thief
- 🎨 Art
- 💔 Redemption
-
Elyse Tibaldi
Played by Emily Ratajkowski
Elyse is an ambitious actress caught in a web of deception and financial ruin. Her plight demonstrates the pressures of fame and the pursuit of success, driving her to resort to theft. As she collaborates with Ivan, her character evolves, revealing layers of vulnerability and resilience.
- 🎭 Actress
- 💰 Debt
- 💔 Struggle
-
Dimitri Maropakis
Played by Fred Melamed
Dimitri is a crime boss who exerts control over Ivan's life, pushing him deeper into the art theft world. His menacing presence underscores the dangers of criminal entanglement, and his violent tendencies ultimately lead to his downfall. His character represents the consequences of greed and power struggles.
- 💼 Crime Boss
- ⚔️ Violence
- 💀 Downfall
Where and When Is Lying and Stealing Set?
Lying and Stealing is set in Los Angeles. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in the modern era, reflecting contemporary issues surrounding crime and wealth inequality. It underscores the rapid pace of urban life and the lengths people go to escape financial burdens.
Where
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its opulent lifestyle and vibrant art scene, attracting the wealthy elite. The city is a hub for high-profile parties where priceless artworks are often displayed with minimal security. Its luxurious houses often house valuable collectibles, making it a prime target for art thieves.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎨 Art
- 💰 Wealth
What Are the Themes of Lying and Stealing?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Deception and Redemption.
-
01
Deception
Deception runs rampant in the film, with characters employing various tactics to manipulate their situations. Ivan's art thefts are underpinned by cunning strategies, while Elyse's struggles lead her into moral gray areas. The theme highlights the lengths individuals will go to for survival and success.
-
02
Redemption
The quest for redemption plays a crucial role, especially for Ivan as he seeks to escape the criminal underworld. His relationship with Elyse evolves as they both strive to overcome their problems, showcasing a path towards a new, better life. Ultimately, their journey reflects the power of change and new beginnings.
What Kind of Film Is Lying and Stealing?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A sleek and suspenseful heist film that balances the glamorous thrill of high-stakes theft with the desperate undertones of characters trying to buy their freedom from a dark and unforgiving criminal underworld.
- suspenseful
- cunning
- glamorous
- desperate
- opportunistic
- calculated
- art theft
- debt
- criminal underworld
- redemption
Content notes: murder, drug overdose, drug addiction, criminal coercion.
Quiz
How well do you remember Lying and Stealing? Test yourself on the story.
