The Secrets We Keep
Movie Trailer
Release Date
September 16, 2020
Genre
Thriller, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Noomi Rapace as Maja
- Joel Kinnaman as Thomas
- Chris Messina as Lewis
- Amy Seimetz as Rachel
- Jackson Dean Vincent as Patrick
Director
Yuval Adler
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Operative (2019)
- Bethlehem (2013)
Producer
Avi Lerner, Hadeel Reda, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Erik Howsam
Writer
Ryan Covington, Yuval Adler
Budget
$5 million
Production Company
Di Bonaventura Pictures, Echo Lake Entertainment, Kirkus Media
Running Time
97 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R (for violence, some language, and sexual content)
Content Advisory
- Violence
- Psychological trauma
- Sexual content
- Mature themes
Movie Story
“The Secrets We Keep” is set in post-World War II America and follows the life of Maja (Noomi Rapace), a Romanian immigrant living in a quiet suburban town with her husband Lewis (Chris Messina) and their young son. Maja is trying to rebuild her life after the horrors of the war, but her past continues to haunt her.
One day, Maja believes she recognizes a man from her past, a former Nazi officer who committed unspeakable atrocities against her and her family during the war. The man, now living under the name Thomas (Joel Kinnaman), denies any wrongdoing, claiming he is just an ordinary worker with no connection to the war. Consumed by fear, anger, and a thirst for justice, Maja decides to take matters into her own hands. She kidnaps Thomas, holding him captive in her basement, and demands that he confess to his crimes.
As the psychological tension mounts, the film explores the thin line between justice and revenge, and whether Maja can trust her own memories. Lewis becomes increasingly involved in the situation, torn between supporting his wife and his growing doubt about Thomas’s guilt. The film dives deep into the psychological impact of trauma, the unreliability of memory, and the moral complexities of vengeance.
The story is a tense, slow-burn thriller that keeps the audience questioning whether Thomas is truly the man Maja believes him to be. The dynamic between the three main characters creates an intense atmosphere, where each revelation pushes them closer to a dangerous breaking point.
Special Effects
“The Secrets We Keep” relies more on its tight, suspenseful narrative and strong performances rather than special effects. The film uses minimalistic settings to focus on the intense psychological drama unfolding between the characters. The few effects present are used to enhance the tension and unease, particularly in the scenes of violence and confinement.
Box Office Performance
“The Secrets We Keep” had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was primarily distributed through video on demand (VOD) services. The film garnered modest box office returns but was more successful in streaming markets.
Filming Locations
- New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You can’t bury the past; it always finds a way to resurface.” – Maja
- “What if you’re wrong? What if it’s not him?” – Lewis
Behind-the-Scenes
The film was shot on location in New Orleans, Louisiana, which doubled for a 1950s American suburban town. The director, Yuval Adler, worked closely with the actors to create the film’s intense emotional atmosphere, emphasizing the psychological realism of their performances.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“The Secrets We Keep” is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark recesses of memory, trauma, and revenge. Noomi Rapace delivers a powerful performance, anchoring the film with her portrayal of a woman on the brink of collapse. While the film may not appeal to those looking for fast-paced action, it offers a deep, thought-provoking exploration of the effects of war on the human psyche and the moral dilemmas that arise when seeking justice. It’s a must-watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.
IMDb Rating
5.9/10