Based on E. Lockhart’s best-selling 2014 novel, Prime Video’s We Were Liars introduces teenager Cadence Sinclair Eastman (Emily Alyn Lind), who returns to her affluent family’s private Beechwood Island after a traumatic, memory‑blurring accident the previous summer. Now, she’s trying to figure out the missing pieces of Summer Fifteen, and why no one (including her Liars) will give her the answers.

Across the eight-episode series, the narrative shifts between the present and the summer before, as Cadence works to piece together her fractured memories. Emily Alyn Lind (Gossip Girl) delivers a standout performance, capturing both versions of Cadence with subtlety and depth. She brings a layered vulnerability that distinguishes the character far beyond just a change in hairstyle.

The supporting “Liars” trio of Gat, Johnny, and Mirren share a genuine, natural chemistry that effortlessly pulls you into their close-knit world. Watching the four of them together feels super authentic. It’s easy to believe they’ve been inseparable their entire lives. This is our first real introduction to Joseph Zada, who’s set to play Haymitch Abernathy in the upcoming Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. His portrayal of the brooding bad boy with a secret offers a glimpse of why he landed the role, and it’s not just because of his floppy hair. There’s an edge and complexity to his performance that hints at his potential as a young Haymitch.

Thanks to the strong performances from the “Liars” and their parents, I found myself increasingly wishing the series would dive deeper into the lives of the supporting characters. Their storylines are only briefly touched on, leaving a lot of untapped potential. Instead, the narrative keeps looping back to Cadence and her fragmented memories. With eight hour-long episodes, the pacing starts to drag in the middle. By that point, viewers aren’t uncovering much new information. Instead, the story circles the same themes of Cadence’s unreliable memory and rich people’s problems. A tighter, shorter season would have delivered a much stronger impact, especially when all is revealed.

So, if you’re into stylish YA mysteries full of suspense, family intrigue, and dramatic reveals, and don’t mind a slightly uneven ride, We Were Liars is a good choice this summer.