Meet the cast of White Lies

In the heart of a picturesque but isolated rural community, a gifted medicine woman serves as the lifeline for those in need, using her extensive knowledge of herbal remedies and traditional healing practices to mend both bodies and spirits. Her prowess and dedication have earned her the love and respect of the townspeople, who frequently turn to her for guidance and support. However, when she is confronted with a heavy moral dilemma, her role as a healer becomes far more complicated. The arrival of a devastating secret, one that could either preserve life or lead to its demise, tests her resolve and challenges her ethics in ways she never expected.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when the medicine woman is approached by a desperate mother seeking help for her gravely ill child. In an emotionally charged moment, the mother reveals a hidden truth that could shatter lives and alter the fabric of their community forever. Faced with the choice to either reveal this secret, which may save the child's life but inevitably result in tragic consequences for another, or to conceal it and risk the wellbeing of the family who trusts her the most, the medicine woman finds herself at a crossroads where compassion and duty collide.

As the story unfolds, tension builds and the stakes heighten. The dichotomy of life and death, truth and deception, becomes the central theme, pushing the medicine woman to explore her own values, the nature of sacrifice, and the intricate web of relationships woven throughout her community. Ultimately, "White Lies" is not just a tale about one woman’s journey with moral complexity; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, raising questions about the lengths to which we will go to protect those we love, and the sometimes painful choices that define us.

Full Cast of White Lies

Rachel House

Maraea

Rachel House delivers a compelling performance as Maraea in the film "White Lies" (also known as "Tuakiri Huna"), a character that embodies the complexities of identity and the struggle for self-acceptance in the face of societal pressures. Set in New Zealand during the early 1900s, the film explores themes of race, class, and gender, with House's Maraea at the heart of this narrative. As the loyal servant to a high-society woman, House brings a nuanced portrayal of a woman torn between two worlds—she is of Maori descent, yet immersed in the Pakeha (European) society of her employer. House's performance is both understated and powerful, capturing Maraea's internal conflict with subtle gestures and piercing gazes, effectively conveying her character's quiet strength and simmering turmoil. Her ability to express Maraea's deep-seated longing for connection to her Maori heritage, while navigating the expectations of her position, adds layers of emotional depth to the film. Rachel House's portrayal is a standout, offering a poignant glimpse into the heart of a woman who is forced to confront the lies she has told herself in order to find her true place in the world.

Antonia Prebble

Rebecca

Antonia Prebble delivers a compelling performance as Rebecca in the film "White Lies," skillfully navigating the complexities of her character's dual identity amidst the backdrop of early 20th century New Zealand. Prebble adeptly captures the nuances of Rebecca's internal conflict as she grapples with her Maori heritage and the societal pressure to conform to Pakeha (European) standards. Her portrayal is both vulnerable and steely, showcasing Rebecca's determination to forge her own path in a world rife with racial and social tensions. Prebble's performance is a highlight of the film, as she embodies the struggle for self-acceptance and the courage to challenge the era's rigid expectations, all while maintaining a poised exterior that masks the turmoil of her character's emotional journey. Her ability to convey deep-seated strength and quiet resilience adds layers of depth to the narrative, making her character's arc particularly poignant and memorable.