I’ve been sick lately, which means my days have been reduced to the basics: eat, sleep, watch movies, and if I feel up to it, read. Mostly, though, it’s been me curled up on the couch with a blanket and a film.

The other day, I was watching Liar Liar.  Now, for someone who doesn’t particularly like Jim Carrey’s acting, I watch a lot of his movies. I notably love The Truman Show, Bruce Almighty, and The Mask. I’ve also seen Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Dumb and Dumber, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and of course Liar Liar.  So then why was I watching this particular Jim Carrey movie?

It has a good message.

The Plot That Hits Home

Liar Liar begins with a simple exchange between Fletcher’s young son and his teacher:

Max: “My dad? He’s… a liar.”

Teacher: “A liar? Oh, I’m sure you don’t mean a liar.”

Max: “Well, he wears a suit and goes to court and talks to the judge.”

Teacher: “Oh, I see! You mean he’s a lawyer.”

Jim Carrey plays Fletcher Reede, a lawyer in LA who prioritizes his career over his relationships. He loves his son, but often neglects him, covering his failures with lies. When Fletcher misses his son’s birthday party, Max makes a wish: that his dad couldn’t lie for a whole day. The wish is granted, causing chaos and lots of laughter.

The comedy is overly obvious, but the deeper lesson is what lingers for me. Fletcher isn’t just unable to lie to others, he’s unable to lie to himself.

The Devastation of Truth

In one of the film’s most powerful moments, Fletcher argues with his ex-wife, trying to insist he’s a good father. Instead, the truth bursts out: “I’m a bad father.”

The devastation on his face is intense.

“I’m a bad father,” he realizes.

His ex-wife responds gently: “You are not a bad father… when you show up.”

It’s a reminder that it’s not about perfection, as much as it is about presence.

Lies We Tell Ourselves

The movie made me wonder: what would happen if we had 24 hours where we couldn’t lie to anyone, including ourselves?

Would we still say “I’m fine” when asked how we’re doing? Would we admit the small self-deceptions:

I’m not really a workaholic.

I’ll eat better tomorrow.

I’ll call my friend today.

I can’t make a difference anyway.

Fletcher’s courtroom meltdown captures it perfectly:

Judge: “One more word outta you, Mr. Reede, and I’ll hold you in contempt!”

Fletcher: “I hold myself in contempt! Why should you be any different?!”

Showing Up to the Truth

Being sick has slowed me down enough to notice the truths I usually rush past. Liar Liar reminded me that honesty isn’t just about telling the truth to others, it’s about facing the truths we’d rather avoid in ourselves.

Maybe the real challenge isn’t living without lies for 24 hours. Maybe it’s choosing, day by day, to show up to our relationships, our responsibilities, and our own hearts with honesty and presence.

Because in the end, the hardest lies to untangle are the ones we tell ourselves.

As I watched Fletcher stumble through a day of brutal honesty, I couldn’t help but wonder: where in my own life am I avoiding the truth—about what I want, what I feel, or what needs to change?

Maybe you’ve asked yourself similar questions.

If this stirred something in you, I’d love to hear your reflections.
Share in the comments, or reach out through Katie Rea Spiritual Direction if you’re longing for a gentle, spacious place to explore your own inner truth.

Newsletter by Katie Rea.