Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Secret in Their Eyes (Spanish: El secreto de sus ojos) is a 2009 Argentine-Spanish crime drama film directed by Juan José Campanella, based on the novel La pregunta de sus ojos by Eduardo Sacheri. The film stars Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago, and Guillermo Francella. Set in both the 1970s and the 2000s in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the story follows a retired judiciary employee who writes a novel about an unresolved rape and murder case that still haunts him.
The Story Unfolds
The Crime and Investigation
The film alternates between two timelines: the 1970s, when the crime occurred, and the 2000s, when the protagonist, Benjamin Espósito (Ricardo Darín), revisits the case. In the 1970s, Espósito and his assistant, Pablo Sandoval (Guillermo Francella), are assigned to investigate the brutal rape and murder of a young woman, Liliana Colotto. Espósito forms a bond with Liliana’s grieving husband, Ricardo Morales (Pablo Rago), and vows to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The Suspect and Corruption
Espósito and Sandoval’s investigation leads them to Isidoro Gómez (Javier Godino), a suspect with a disturbing obsession with Liliana. Despite obtaining a confession, they face obstacles due to corruption within the legal system and political turmoil in Argentina. Gómez is released by government officials due to his usefulness as an informant, causing frustration and despair for Espósito and Morales.
The Climax and Resolution
The Unresolved Case
Years later, in the early 2000s, Espósito, now retired, decides to write a novel about the case. He reconnects with Irene Menéndez-Hastings (Soledad Villamil), his former superior and unrequited love. As Espósito delves deeper, he uncovers long-hidden truths and unresolved emotions. The investigation reveals the extent of political corruption and personal vendettas that thwarted justice.
The Final Revelation
In a shocking twist, Espósito discovers that Morales had taken matters into his own hands. Morales has kept Gómez imprisoned in his farmhouse for over two decades, serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. This revelation brings closure to Espósito, but it also underscores the themes of vengeance, justice, and the human capacity for forgiveness and obsession.
The Conclusion
Emotional Resolution
The film concludes with Espósito and Irene acknowledging their feelings for each other, offering a glimmer of hope and redemption amidst the darkness of their past experiences. Espósito’s novel and the resolution of the case allow him to find some measure of peace.
Movie Ending
The Secret in Their Eyes ends with the revelation that Ricardo Morales has been holding Gómez captive for decades. This twist provides closure to the unresolved case and highlights the moral complexities of justice and revenge. Espósito and Irene’s mutual acknowledgment of their feelings offers a bittersweet but hopeful conclusion.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Secret in Their Eyes.
Type of Movie
The Secret in Their Eyes is a crime drama and thriller that explores themes of justice, memory, love, and revenge, set against the backdrop of Argentina’s turbulent political history.
Cast
- Ricardo Darín as Benjamín Espósito
- Soledad Villamil as Irene Menéndez-Hastings
- Pablo Rago as Ricardo Morales
- Javier Godino as Isidoro Gómez
- Guillermo Francella as Pablo Sandoval
- Mariano Argento as Romano
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Federico Jusid, whose music enhances the film’s emotional and dramatic depth.
Filming Locations
The Secret in Their Eyes was filmed in various locations around Buenos Aires, Argentina, including:
- The Palace of Justice: For courtroom and office scenes.
- La Boca: For neighborhood scenes that add to the film’s authentic Argentine atmosphere.
Awards and Nominations
The Secret in Their Eyes received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Foreign Language Film.
- Goya Awards: Won Best Spanish Language Foreign Film.
- Ariel Awards: Nominated for Best Ibero-American Film.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film’s success helped elevate Argentine cinema on the global stage, showcasing the country’s talent and storytelling capabilities.
- Ricardo Darín’s performance as Benjamín Espósito is widely regarded as one of his best, contributing to his reputation as one of Latin America’s leading actors.
- Director Juan José Campanella’s use of long takes and intricate camera movements, particularly in the soccer stadium scene, was praised for its technical brilliance and narrative impact.
Inspirations and References
The Secret in Their Eyes is based on Eduardo Sacheri’s novel La pregunta de sus ojos. The film’s themes of memory, justice, and the passage of time are deeply rooted in Argentina’s historical context, reflecting the country’s struggles with political corruption and human rights abuses.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of The Secret in Their Eyes closely follows the original script. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While the film is a faithful adaptation of Eduardo Sacheri’s novel, it condenses some aspects of the story for cinematic purposes. The book provides more detailed background on the characters and their motivations.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The discovery of Liliana Colotto’s body and the subsequent investigation.
- The soccer stadium chase, showcasing intricate camera work and tension.
- The revelation of Ricardo Morales’s long-term imprisonment of Gómez.
- The emotional confrontation between Espósito and Morales.
- The final acknowledgment of feelings between Espósito and Irene.
Iconic Quotes
- “You see, Benjamin? There’s something you can’t do: you can’t not see me.” – Irene Menéndez-Hastings
- “How do you live a life full of nothing?” – Ricardo Morales
- “A guy can change anything. His face, his home, his family, his girlfriend, his religion, his God. But there’s one thing he can’t change, Benjamin. He can’t change his passion.” – Pablo Sandoval
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes subtle references to Argentina’s political history, enhancing its thematic depth.
- The use of mirrors and reflections throughout the film underscores themes of memory and perception.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $2 million, and it grossed over $33 million worldwide.
- The Secret in Their Eyes was one of the highest-grossing Argentine films of all time.
- The film’s success led to a Hollywood remake in 2015, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, and Julia Roberts, though the original remains more critically acclaimed.
Why Watch?
The Secret in Their Eyes offers a gripping and emotionally resonant exploration of justice, memory, and the passage of time, featuring standout performances, particularly by Ricardo Darín and Soledad Villamil, and masterful direction by Juan José Campanella. Its intricate plotting, compelling characters, and profound themes make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers.
Director’s Other Movies
Juan José Campanella also directed:
- The Son of the Bride (2001)
- Moon of Avellaneda (2004)
- Underdogs (2013)
- The Weasel’s Tale (2019)
