The Secrets We Keep

It is not a remake of Death and the Maiden nor is it flagrant plagiarism. Let's call it "inspired by" the Polanski film, with an added spoonful of Holocaust sauce. The locations and the era in which the film is set (1959) are a good backdrop to some excellent acting by Noomi Rapace.

...and period dramas set in the 50's, I recommend it. If you don't expect too much and just enjoy it for what it is...nothing special but I still enjoyed it even though I have seen better films like it. A decent 6 stars but 7 for the actress.

This is one of those binary movies - and by that I mean one of two things are possible. In other words, guessing what is true or where the movie will end up is not really a big achievement! Sorry to burst your bubble if you thought that was the case.

Having said that, for a movie like this to work, you need really good actors. Someone to believe in - someone to root for and/or a bit against. It is morally quite hard on the viewer ... who is right, what would you do, if it was the case? And also is it necessary to hear something, to believe an overall story to be true? And how true can a confession under duress be? Maybe it is the only way to find out the truth ... maybe it is the opposite ... and as I said, no brownie points for guessing right.

Joel Kinnaman is quite the powerhouse acting wise and Noomi relishes in roles that really drain her out (emotional power wise that is) - going to extremes and almost living through things ... at least you'd be fooled as viewer to think she actually is the character she plays ... for better or worse. The ending is either satisfying or a bit ... well something you may feel different about. Still overall the tension is kept throughout and therefor kudos for that.

This is an enjoyable thriller. Fairly original storyline and good performances from the three leads who take around 80% of the screen time. Slow paced, and it has to be for the story to unfold, some unpleasant scenes, which again are needed. I would have marked the film 8 if not for the very predictable last scene before the epilogue, still a good thriller though.

N.B I haven't seen 'Death And The Maiden' which comparisons are made in other reviews so my review is unbiased and about this film.

Regardless of its similarities to any other movie (which I have not seen) if you review this on its own merits it's a good enjoyable thriller with decent acting by all mains, holds your attention throughout.

Worth a watch