The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) Review

The Secret in Their Eyes is a crime drama film directed by Juan Jose Campanella and released in 2009. The movie won the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 82nd Academy Awards and is considered one of the best movies of the 21st century. Set in Argentina, the movie tells the story of a retired legal counselor who decides to write a novel based on a 25-year-old unsolved rape and murder case he worked on.

The movie opens with retired legal counselor Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darin) struggling to come up with a topic for his novel. He decides to write about a case that he worked on 25 years ago when he was a young and ambitious lawyer. The case involved the rape and murder of a young woman, and it deeply affected Benjamin. He decides to revisit the case to try and solve it and find closure.

The movie then flashes back to 1974, where we see Benjamin working with his colleague Pablo Sandoval (Guillermo Francella) and newly appointed judge Irene Menéndez Hastings (Soledad Villamil) on the case. Irene is a talented and beautiful young lawyer who Benjamin is instantly attracted to. They work together to try and solve the case, but they face many obstacles, including corruption within the police force and political pressure to close the case quickly.

The movie does an excellent job of balancing the investigation of the case with the personal lives of the characters. Benjamin's growing attraction to Irene is shown through their witty banter and the tension between them. Meanwhile, Pablo provides some comic relief with his quirky behavior and his obsession with soccer.

As the investigation progresses, Benjamin becomes increasingly convinced that the main suspect, a man named Isidoro Gomez, is innocent. However, the evidence against him is too strong, and he is eventually convicted. Benjamin is devastated by the outcome and resigns from his job, feeling that justice was not served.

The movie then jumps back to the present day, where Benjamin is still struggling with the memories of the case. He decides to visit Irene, who is now married with children, to try and find closure. However, his visit reopens old wounds and leads to a shocking revelation about the case.

One of the standout features of The Secret in Their Eyes is the way it blends different genres. The movie is part crime drama, part romance, and part political thriller. It seamlessly transitions between these different genres without feeling disjointed or contrived.

The acting in the movie is superb, with all the main actors delivering powerful performances. Ricardo Darin is particularly impressive as Benjamin, perfectly capturing his mix of intelligence, humor, and vulnerability. Soledad Villamil also gives a great performance as Irene, showing both her strength as a lawyer and her vulnerability in her personal life.

The movie's cinematography is also worth noting. The camera work is expertly done, with many scenes shot in long takes that add to the film's tension and realism. The use of lighting and shadows is also very effective, particularly in the scenes set in the dark and gritty streets of Buenos Aires.

The movie's pacing is also excellent, with the plot unfolding at a steady pace that keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The movie is over two hours long, but it never feels slow or boring.

One of the movie's underlying themes is the idea that justice is not always served in the legal system. The movie portrays a justice system that is flawed and corrupt, with powerful people able to manipulate it for their own ends. This theme is particularly relevant in Argentina, which has a history of political corruption and human rights abuses.

The movie's ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the viewer with a lot to think about. It is a fitting conclusion to a complex and engaging movie.

In, The Secret in Their Eyes is a masterful film that blends different genres and explores complex themes. The movie's excellent acting, cinematography, pacing, and storytelling make it a must-watch for any film lover.

The movie is not without its flaws, however. Some viewers may find the movie's depiction of violence and sexual assault disturbing, and the plot may be too convoluted for some. Additionally, the movie's portrayal of women may be seen as problematic, as many of the female characters are reduced to love interests or victims.

Despite these criticisms, The Secret in Their Eyes remains a remarkable film that is well worth watching. Its portrayal of the legal system, political corruption, and personal relationships is both nuanced and compelling, and the movie's powerful performances and expert direction make it a true cinematic masterpiece.