Review of Secrets & Lies (1996) by Adrian B — 25 Sep 2011

In a surburban town within the United Kingdon, an optometrist (Marianne Jean Baptiste), who was adopted when she an infant, recently loses her mother, and years prior, her father had also passed away. She then decides that it is time to research her birth parents. In another part of town, a mother (Brenda Blethyn), has to deal with several situations. First, her strident relationship with her older daughter (Claire Rushbrook), who is a city worker mainly picking litter on the street, who seems high embarrassed to be around her (and the irony is she isn't all that appealing herself), especially when she is with her boyfriend. Second, her daughter-in-law (Phyllis Logan), married to her photographer son (Timothy Spall), is quite annoyed with her because they have decided not to have children, although "decided" may not be the reason they have not had children. Finally, her long kept secret, which is about to come alive thanks to the optometrist.

The deliberately slow paced "Secrets and Lies" is surprisingly perplexing and stunning look at the lives of characters connecting in a situation where re-unites with an additional offspring. The film is sort of like "Tokyo Story," of which we, the viewer, examine the different lives of the characters and the connections they make even with their vast differences. It seems so real, almost documentary like. When the characters of Marienne Jean Baptiste Brenda Blethyn finally meet, despite their differences, they manage to cope with it and begin what seems like a life long relationship. The performances from the film are so beautiful, particularly Brenda Blethyn who is so poignant and meticulous. Filmmaking from the 1990's at its best.