Secret in Their Eyes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop spends thirteen years stalking a guy he thinks might’ve done something bad, while also awkwardly flirting with his boss, and his coworker is just *really* mad.

🍿 Secret in Their Eyes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Initial Crime

In 2002, Los Angeles FBI investigators Ray Kasten and Jess Cobb, along with their supervisor Claire Sloane, are part of a counter-terrorism task force in a post-9/11 world. During an investigation near a mosque, they discover the brutal murder of Carolyn Cobb, Jess’s teenage daughter. The team is devastated, and the investigation becomes intensely personal.

The Suspect and Frustration

Ray identifies Marzin, a suspect previously linked to the mosque, as the prime candidate. However, Marzin is also an informant providing valuable intel on potential terrorist threats. Political pressures and bureaucratic obstacles prevent the team from bringing him to justice, leading to Marzin’s release and deepening Jess’s grief and Ray’s frustration.

Thirteen Years Later

Thirteen years later, in 2015, Ray returns to Los Angeles, convinced he has found irrefutable evidence against Marzin. He persuades Claire, now a District Attorney, to reopen the case. Ray’s obsession with the case has cost him his marriage and career, reflecting his guilt and desire to provide Jess with closure. The investigation unearths hidden truths and tests the boundaries of justice and revenge.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ray Kasten (Chiwetel Ejiofor): A determined FBI agent who spends thirteen years haunted by and obsessed with finding the killer of Jessica’s daughter.
• Jessica Cobb (Julia Roberts): A grieving FBI investigator whose life is shattered when her daughter is brutally murdered, leading her to seek justice by any means necessary.
• Claire Sloane (Nicole Kidman): An ambitious District Attorney who balances her professional responsibilities with her personal feelings for Ray while navigating the complexities of the reopened murder case.
• Bumpy Willis (Dean Norris): Ray’s loyal and somewhat unethical colleague who assists in the investigation, providing support and navigating the murky moral waters of the case.
• Martin Morales (Alfred Molina): The District Attorney, who is in charge of the team’s investigation.
• Marzin (Joe Cole): The prime suspect in Carolyn Cobb’s murder, whose freedom and subsequent actions drive the plot and reveal the depths of vengeance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jess: “Life sentence, right?” – Jess says this hinting at the type of justice she’s looking for regarding her daughter’s killer, a dark look into her pain and desire for retribution.
• Ray Kasten: “For you, too.” – Ray responds to Jess, acknowledging the personal toll that the pursuit of justice has taken on both of them, suggesting the price they are willing to pay for it.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19.5M
• Domestic Gross: $20.1M
• Worldwide Gross: $34.8M

💥 Secret in Their Eyes Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a nail-biting thriller, but it was more of a slow burn. Julia Roberts’ performance was incredible – you could really feel her pain. There were some twists I didn’t see coming, but overall, it felt a bit too drawn out. I think if you’re a fan of character-driven dramas, you might appreciate it more than I did. The original is considered better, so I’ll watch that one next.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about grief and revenge”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from lead actors”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic descriptions of violence”
  • “Rape”
  • “Murder”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Ray’s direction is competent, but the script’s reliance on flashbacks and a somewhat convoluted plot detract from the emotional core. Roberts delivers a powerful performance as a grieving mother, but the film struggles to find a unique voice amidst the sea of crime dramas.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite the star-studded cast, Secret in Their Eyes fails to capture the suspense and emotional depth of the original Argentinian film. Kidman and Ejiofor are miscast, while Roberts’ performance is the only true standout. The muddled narrative and uninspired direction make this remake largely forgettable.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Secret in Their Eyes is a watchable thriller, but it lacks the sharp insights and compelling characters necessary to make a lasting impression. Julia Roberts is excellent, but the story feels unnecessarily complicated and fails to generate genuine suspense.

Audience Reactions

Julia Roberts’ raw performance as a grieving mother was exceptionally moving and realistic.: Most viewers praised Julia Roberts’ performance, feeling it added depth and emotional weight to the film.

The twist ending, though somewhat predictable, still provided a satisfying conclusion to the complex story.: Many found the film engaging due to the multiple twists and turns that kept them guessing until the very end.

Overall Consensus: While well-acted, Secret in Their Eyes generally failed to impress audiences, with many finding the original Argentinian film superior in suspense and storytelling. It is a decent thriller that could have been better.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is a remake of the 2009 Argentinian film ‘El secreto de sus ojos,’ which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.”
• “Julia Roberts’ role was originally written for a male actor. The script was rewritten specifically to accommodate her.”
• “Cinematographer Daniel Moder is Julia Roberts’ husband, marking their third collaboration on a film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Secret in Their Eyes?

Secret in Their Eyes is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. You may also find it on cable on-demand services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Secret in Their Eyes, you might like these similar films:

• Prisoners (2013): Deals with the themes of vengeance and how far a parent will go to protect their child, sharing the raw emotional intensity and morally ambiguous situations.
• El secreto de sus ojos (2009): It is the original Argentinian film upon which ‘Secret in Their Eyes’ is based, known for its superior storytelling and emotional depth.
• Mystic River (2003): Explores the long-lasting effects of a crime on a group of friends and the desperate measures they take when one of their children is involved.

🛒 Secret in Their Eyes Related Products

• El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes) [Blu-ray]: Experience the original Oscar-winning Argentinian film, which many consider to be far superior to the remake. This version offers a compelling story, memorable characters, and a satisfying conclusion.
• Secret in Their Eyes Movie Poster (2015): A high-quality print featuring the official movie poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater or a movie lover’s room.
• FBI Agent – Adjustable Baseball Cap – Military Style: Show your appreciation for law enforcement with this stylish cap. Made with durable materials, this cap is perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

Secret in Their Eyes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Haunted” – performed by Maty Noyes
• “Secret In Their Eyes – Theme” – performed by Emilio Kauderer

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Secret in their Eyes reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to know if ‘Secret in Their Eyes’ is worth your time? Mark Kermode breaks down the film’s strengths and weaknesses in this review. He’s pretty spot on with his analysis, in my opinion – give it a watch and see if you agree!

✨ Rate