A simple re-union amongst four old friends, dredges up a horrile secret that threatens to ruin all their lives. The story delivers great suspense and keeps one guessing at the ending. You can't take anything the characters say at face value which keeps the viewer engaged, trying to figure out who is lying and why. The pace of the dialogue and the frenzy of the growing dilemma ratchets up the tension as things progress. The acting is strong, but the story really gripped me. Every time I thought I figured out the truth the filmmakers revealed something from the past that made me rethink the story. The cinematography added to the sense of mystery and foreboding that hangs over the characters. Great lighting. Great Noir mood. This film reminded me of "Stand by Me". I highly recommend this film.

I liked this movie. Yes, the plot twist at the end was awesome--never saw that coming! The actors chosen to play the parts was EXCELLENT!!! Colm Feore is a top-notch actor, and he was the main reason I wanted to watch--anything he acts in is Outstanding! This movie had a Lesson--everything we do in life stays with us--the mistakes of the past, when unresolved, follow us until we do resolve them in some way. The guys, however, choose to keep their past secret and poor Derrick was the..........Nah, you can figure that out when you watch the movie! ;) You know, Why this Movie is titled, The Lesser Evil! :)

Four men reunite after 25 years to face a murder they covered up. The story is tangled web of deception that keeps you guessing by cutting to the past to reveal the lies the central characters tell each other. Every time you think you understand a characters motives your shown something that puts everything you thought you knew into doubt. A very cerebral film that kept me guessing right up to the end.

And its reputation to that end will grow as word-of-mouth continues to spread about this utterly gripping film, a sordid tale of four carefree young friends whose lives forever are changed within one instant. From the start, we are drawn into an inexorable spiral of almost unrelieved tension. An embarrassing encounter wounds the boys' pride, leading first to rash, childish posturing, immature decisions, and then to a mistaken identity in an abandoned quarry. The story becomes a steamroller in overdrive, as suspicions mount and personal loyalties melt away, overwhelmed by uncomprehending panic, sheer desperation, and the drive towards individual survival. No other film I've seen has ever led me to as much ongoing "what would I do?" self-introspection. The once-secure bonding among the four young men collapses, replaced by terror and the fear of discovery. This descent into the "eat-or-be-eaten" dark side is part of the relentless march away from civility that captivates us throughout. You'll not forget this film, its powerful imageries, and its fine cast's potent portrayals of psychological interplay. (Watch for legendary radio actor Mason Adams as the father of the deceased.) Highly recommended to adults.