Review of Secret in Their Eyes (2015) by Foxgrove — 04 Mar 2016

Arriving almost un-noticed under the radar despite starring two high profile actresses, this is actually a very impressive remake of the 2009 Argentinian Oscar winner of the same title. Well written, and a great story to boot, the film is also smartly directed and edited, dealing as it does with two different time frames.

People have criticised it for being confusing in this regard, but I had no trouble whatsoever in distinguishing which period was which on screen. The performances add gravitas. Chiwetel Ejiofor is solidly understated as the police investigator returning to his office 13 years later with new evidence about a rape and murder that was never prosecuted.

Nicole Kidman isn’t bad either, although the least impressive of the three leads, as the district attorney he shares this new information with. The romantic bond implied between these two is definitely the story’s weakest link.

The film’s biggest asset and the real news is that Julia Roberts, once again, proves herself to be more than capable of wowing in something other than a mediocre romantic comedy. Like her great turn in ‘August: Osage County’ she really does impress.

Her performances are becoming subtler and more compelling as she matures. The vanity is gone and she doesn’t seem to care how she looks in the process of being true to the character. On the technical side the cinematography is a bit underwhelming, although the music underscores effectively.