What constitutes justice? Can justice ever be obtained in an unjust society, and if so at what cost? These are the questions that lie at the heart of the 2009 noir thriller The Secret in their Eyes. Through its depiction of a detective's search for truth and a husband's quest for justice the film weaves a mystery that is certain to have audiences guessing until its final reveal and wondering if some secrets are best left unspoken. Thought provoking, thrilling, and haunting The Secret in their Eyes is a film that is guaranteed to leave viewers pondering its secrets long after the final credits fade.
The story begins in 1999 Buenos Aires with retired detective Benjamin Esposito attempting to write a novel inspired by an unsolved case that has tormented him for twenty-five years. The film then flashes back to 1974 when newlywed teacher Liliana Coloto de Morales is brutally raped and murdered. Benjamin and his partner, Pablo, are assigned to the case and soon find themselves maneuvering both the intricacies of the investigation and the corruption of Argentina's justice system. While the pair narrow their list of suspects, their colleague, Inspector Romano, attempts to close the case as quickly as possible, even at the risk of condemning the wrong man. With the help of principled prosecutor Irene, the detectives eventually determine that Liliana was murdered by an acquaintance who had been stalking her. Just when justice is on the verge of being served, however, the state intervenes leaving the case unresolved and all involved grappling with the consequences. Decades later Benjamin and Irene remain haunted by the case, but together the pair make a revelation that might finally bring a killer to justice and set the ghosts of the past free.
The film stunned critics when it surpassed Oscar front runners The White Ribbon and A Prophet to take home the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. What critics failed to see was that The Secret in Their Eyes is so much more than its police procedural premise would suggest. The film expertly uses a murder investigation as a catalyst to highlight the brutality and corruption of 1970's Argentine politics, while simultaneously exploring universal themes. Through its depiction of a thwarted investigation the film offers vital insight into both the violence and oppression that dominated daily life in 1970's Argentina and the ways in which that tumult continues to impact the Argentine people today. The film also aptly depicts the ways in which a political system dominated by corruption and criminality creates a society dominated by lawlessness and unrest. Even as it remains firmly rooted in the history of Buenos Aires the film portrays universal struggles with grief, loss, regret, and obsession that will resonate with viewers around the globe. Perhaps the film's greatest success lies in its ability to raise and explore crucial questions concerning justice, vigilantism, and capital punishment without resorting to heavy handedness or forced easy answers. As cities across the Western world descend ever further into anarchy and totalitarianism we could all benefit from opening our eyes to the lessons in The Secret in Their Eyes.
The film transports viewers into some of the darkest chapters of Argentina's history thanks to the work of its brilliant cast. Mariano Argento exudes sinister sleaze as corrupt cop Romano. Javier Godino perfectly balances an unassuming exterior with inner viciousness as Liliana's killer, Isidoro Gomez. Pablo Rago personifies grief in his anguished portrayal as her distraught widower, Ricardo. Guillermo Francella steals each scene in which he appears in his by turns comic and tragic depiction of Benjamin's alcoholic partner, Pablo. Soledad Villamil seamlessly portrays Irene as she grows from idealistic and ambitious young prosecutor to successful, but jaded, judge. Ricardo Darin is mesmerizing in his performance as Benjamin as he effortlessly alternates between inexperienced and insecure detective to world weary and haunted veteran of the force. Together the cast relate a tale at the intersections of love and loss and crime and punishment that is the stuff that movie magic is made of.
The Secret in Their Eyes is a rare mystery that raises as many vital questions as it answers. Through its expertly paced and emotionally compelling plot the film takes viewers on a thrill ride into the darkest depths of Argentina's tumultuous history. The layered performances add depth and nuance to every poetic gesture and biting line of dialogue. For a thriller that is nothing short of eye-opening unlock the secrets of Buenos Aires in The Secret in Their Eyes.
