The new thriller THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES is actually a remake of a critically-acclaimed film from Argentina, one that is so beloved by its fans that many seem angry an American version was even attempted. Since many here likely missed the original, Hollywood has decided to produce its own take which hits theaters this weekend. Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Billy Ray (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, THE HUNGER GAMES), and produced by Academy Award winner Mark Johnson (RAIN MAN, BREAKING BAD), the remake stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts in a revenge tale that will keep you guessing.

Homeland security investigators Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts), along with their supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman), are the basis of the story, which is told moving back and forth with present day and post-9/11 (as in right after) time frames. We discover in the past timeline that a body found in a dumpster turns out to be the daughter of Jess, who is understandably horrified. Ray, who is on the verge of a budding romance with Claire, tracks down a man he thinks is the killer, but can’t make the evidence stick. This turns into an obsession through the years to find the man again, and bring him to justice, and in the present day setting, we see this has consumed Ray’s life.

It’s hard to talk very much about the story without giving away major plot points, but the basic themes of losing a loved one and the psychological damage that results from it are what drives this tale of revenge. It’s always hard to process the concept of a murderer, especially one as heinous as what’s depicted here, could end up walking free because of a flawed justice system… but it happens. What’s most interesting about THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES is that on the surface it may seem like a starring vehicle for Julia Roberts, playing against type as an emotionally tortured mother trying to cope with a horrible circumstance. In reality Roberts has very little screen time, as this is a story that focuses on Chiwetel Ejiofor and Nicole Kidman’s characters for its primary interests. Ejiofor proves again he’s a competent and engaging leading man, carrying the script and taking the audience through a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, particularly toward the end. He also takes on the challenge of playing a role in two different timelines, convincingly carrying both age ranges. Kidman also has a good turn here, playing a woman who falls in love with a co-worker, despite already being in a committed relationship. We genuinely feel for these two and their unrequited love affair, and it’s one that never comes across as sappy or forced.

Roberts, again used sparingly, makes the most of her scenes. Her heartbreaking reaction to the traumatic event at the start is expertly played, and the emotionally drained scenes that follow are all done to perfection. This is an un-glamorous role for the seasoned performer, and she handles it well. I’m sure she understood that despite not being the primary focus of the story, her character is still greatly important to the proceedings, and having her kind of gravitas in the final acts really brings it home. Also look for strong supporting roles by Dean Norris as Chiwetel’s investigator buddy, always willing to lend a helping hand, and Alfred Molina as the agency head that is more interested in politics than doing what’s right.

For a PG-13 movie, THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES gets pretty dark and gritty, feeling more like R-rated fare. It’s so bleak that most probably won’t leave the theater feeling like they enjoyed it, but if you’re in the right kind of mood for this sort of film, I’d recommend giving it a shot. Admittedly, I have not seen the original movie this is based on, though I imagine the twists toward the end are at least similar. Don’t let anyone spoil the ending for you, rather see if you can figure it out on your own. When you get right down to it, this is a story about letting something consume you – whether it’s a romantic interest in a co-worker interfering with a current relationship, or the injustice involving a criminal driving lifelong guilt, or losing a loved one in the most horrible of ways – these obsessions can destroy lives if they’re not dealt with properly… and at the core that is what drives this haunting story. While this isn’t a production I’d likely revisit anytime soon, it is one of the more memorable thrillers of the year, and the superb cast definitely makes it worth a look.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•