'Circle of Deception': Live stream, release date, plot, cast and all you need to know about Lifetime's true crime film

'Circle of Deception' is based on Ann Rule's true crime novel, of a small island thrown into the midst of a murder investigation the day after Christmas
PUBLISHED FEB 19, 2021
Diane Neal and Tahmoh Penikett star in 'Circle of Deception' (Lifetime)
Diane Neal and Tahmoh Penikett star in 'Circle of Deception' (Lifetime)

'Circle of Deception' is based on the New York Times Bestselling true crime novel 'Practice to Deceive', written by Ann Rule. It's about a brutal murder that takes place in a small idyllic town the day after Christmas. 'Circle of Deception' is part of Lifetime's 'Ripped from the Headlines' slate which focuses on true crime stories.

Interestingly, as part of Lifetime’s 'Broader Focus' initiative, supporting the hiring of women in key production roles, actor Ashley Williams steps behind the camera to make her directorial debut with 'Circle of Deception'. Four other films for Lifetime's 'Ripped from the Headlines' franchise are being based on Ann Rule's books 'Danger in the Dorm', 'Mortal Danger', 'Bitter Harvest' and 'Empty Promises'.

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Release date

'Circle of Deception' premieres on Lifetime Saturday, March 6, 8 pm ET/PT.

Plot

According to the Lifetime synopsis, 'Circle of Deception' is about "A small island community that is turned upside down when one of the town’s citizen's Russel Douglas (Paul McGillion) is found dead the day after Christmas. Brenna Douglas (Jill Morrison) was Russel's estranged and soon-to-be ex-wife, who often complained to her former beauty queen best friend Peggy Sue Thomas (Diane Neal), that Russel was physically and emotionally abusive. Through an investigation that twists and winds its way through neighbors, a wife, and best friends, Russel’s murderer is finally revealed."

Cast

Diane Neal

Diane Neal is perhaps best known for her role on 'Law and Order: SVU'. Besides 'Law and Order' Neal is probably best recognized for her role as Alison Holt on two seasons of 'Suits'. Neal has also guest-starred on a wide variety of other hit shows from 'White Collar' to '30 Rock' and has appeared in numerous films and television movies. 

Diane Neal stars in 'Circle of Deception' (Getty Images)

Tahmoh Penikett 

Tahmoh Penikett is a Canadian actor who is popular for playing the role of Karl Helo Agathon in SyFy's 2004 television series 'Battlestar Galactica'. His other credits include the TV series 'Supernatural', 'Dollhouse' and the Showcase time travel show 'Continuum'.

 Tahmoh Penikett stars in 'Circle of Deception' (Getty Images)

Jill Morrison 

Jill Morrison is known for her roles in 'Mean Girls', 'Motherland: Fort Salem' and 'Project Blue Book'.

Jill Morrison stars in 'Circle of Deception' (Getty Images)

Creators

Ashley Williams makes her directorial debut with 'Circle of Deception'. Executive producers include Conor Allyn, Benjamin Anderson, Jamie Goehring, Shawn Williamson, Barbara Lieberman and Neal Dodson. The script for the film was written by Christina Ray.

Where to watch

'Circle of Deception' premieres on Lifetime Saturday, March 6, 8 pm ET/PT.

Trailer 

The trailer for 'Circle of Deception' is awaited. Watch this space for more.

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