When successful and confident optometrist Hortense Cumberbatch (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), a young black woman from London, sets out to find her biological mother after the death of her adoptive parents, she discovers a truth that turns her world upside down.

Her mother, Cynthia Purley (Brenda Blethyn), is a lonely, white factory worker living in poverty in East London, along with her rebellious daughter Roxanne (Claire Rushbrook). Cynthia’s initial shock and denial give way to a tentative bond with Hortense, who puts her life and family relationships on edge. As Cynthia struggles to come to terms with her past, her brother Maurice (Timothy Spall), a kind-hearted photographer, also plays a crucial role in the drama. His marriage to Monica (Phyllis Logan) has its own tensions, and long-buried secrets within the family threaten to come to the surface. 

With a subtle blend of realism, humor and emotional depth, Secrets & Lies explores themes of identity, family and the impact of hidden truths. Director Mike Leigh creates a film that is both moving and gripping, with brilliant improvisation and a compelling narrative that exposes the complexity of human relationships.