Review of Secrets & Lies (1996) by Jennifer A — 13 Dec 2009

A compelling and convincing family drama.

Secrets & Lies (1996).

Director - Mike Leigh.

Starring - Brenda Blethyn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Phyllis Logan, Timothy Spall, Claire Rushbrook, Ron Cook.

Cynthia (Brenda Blethyn) is a working-class British woman who struggles with a life of lonliness and disappointment. Her daughter Roxanne (Claire Rushbrook) is always bitter and she rarely sees her successful son Maurice (Timothy Spall). Out of the blue Cynthia recieves a phone call from a woman named Hortense (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) who claims to be her daughter. Hortense is a successful doctor and she happens to be black. After initial hesitation Cynthia and Hortense bond. Cynthia decides to introduce Hortense to the rest of the family which opens up wounds and of course secrets and lies.

"Secrets & Lies" certainly ranks with the best family dramas ever made and much of this success is due to Mike Leighs direction. The film totally feels improvised which certainly adds to it's authenticity. Flawed characters displaying real emotion which is quite a contrast to Hollywood's tendency to get overly melodramatic. Not that "Secrets & Lies" isn't filled with tension and drama, it's just that it never feels staged. His characters show warts as real people show warts; it's simply part of who they are.

The performances are excellent and totally authentic. Brenda Blethyn has been excellent in everything I've seen her do but her Cynthia is certainly a performance of a lifetime. The more emotionally stable Marianne Jean-Baptiste offers an excellent contrast and the two actresses have great chemistry. Timothy Spall and Claire Rushbrook make the most of their screentime as well.

If you want an authentic look at a real family "Secrets & Lies" is a good place to start.