111 Minutes, Drama/Mystery, M

SECRET IN THEIR EYES is a remake of the 2009 Argentine crime/thriller EL SECRETO DE SUS OJOS (THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES), which won the Best Foreign Film Oscar at the 82nd Academy Awards. As expected in a remake, certain adjustments have been manufactured in this 2015 redo, mostly to the professions of its main characters and to the time its harrowing events take place. Despite working in film since the 1980’s, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman have never acted in the same film, until now. They headline a highly appealing cast along with Oscar-nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 YEARS A SLAVE), who portrays Ray, an investigator that cannot let go of one particular case that occurred 13 years ago. It tragically involved the brutal death of his colleague’s daughter and with a fresh lead on the case, Ray requests it now be re-opened.

The case that is before us and the investigation that follows is completely and utterly compelling. No doubt about that. It was just as compelling in the 2009 original. When that case isn’t the screenplay’s priority, the focus shifts to a particular sub-plot involving District Attorney Supervisor, Claire (Kidman) that was (not so seemingly) dead and buried 13 years ago too. While there was most certainly potential for this distraction to offer another layer of intrigue to its premise, far too much screen time is devoted to this stagnant and dull add-on that unfortunately reduces the great, yet much-maligned Nicole Kidman to do little else other than perform awkward gazes and soft whispers. She deserves much better, reminding us in just one powerful and pivotal scene, the brilliance she’s capable of, in a heartbeat. The conclusion to SECRET IN THEIR EYES is memorable and will have your full attention, yet you may find a couple of the pieces just don’t quite fit the puzzle. So what value does this remake offer? At its best, an absorbing drama that is sometimes thought-provoking, yet never quite reaches the soaring dramatic heights or thrilling frights it was so capable of, as expertly demonstrated in similarly-themed Swedish and US THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO films.

3 out of 5

SECRET IN THEIR EYES – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
This premise, quite brutal in nature yet not too graphic, is aimed for an audience over 15 years of age. It contains mature thematic elements, some violent images which may disturb and some offensive language including sexual references.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Harriet, Roadshow Films and Village Cinemas, Jam Factory for the invite to the Melbourne Media Screening of SECRET IN THEIR EYES.

Review by Moviedoc
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