Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Missed opportunities in flat, violent thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Secret in Their Eyes
What's the Story?
In the months after 9/11, Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts) are assigned "terrorist" duty, monitoring the comings and goings around a local mosque. One day, they discover Jess' daughter, murdered, her body left in a nearby Dumpster. But even with help from new district attorney Claire (Nicole Kidman), the prime suspect walks away, thanks to the complex politics of the time. Thirteen years later, Ray has spent all his free time combing mug shots and thinks he's finally found the killer. He enlists a few old friends, like agent "Bumpy" (Dean Norris), to track him down. But even now, there are some who don't want the murderer found.
Is It Any Good?
A remake of a 2009 Argentinian movie that won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, the American version has some fine performances and atmospheric touches, but it feels flat and by-the-numbers. The most important factors -- namely the tense, paranoid politics occurring after 9/11, as well as the intense personal agonies suffered by the three lead characters -- get only surface treatment from writer/director Billy Ray (Shattered Glass, Breach). A better movie might have tried some sly commentary, as well as burrowing more deeply into the characters.
Clearly, the movie is more focused on the murder story -- and on keeping the 2002 and 2015 timelines straight. All three of the leads, as well as supporters Norris and Alfred Molina, do a fine job with what they have, finding drama in the nooks and crannies of the investigation. But the whole thing feels more like a business decision, an attempt to revive some Oscar glory, than an attempt at good storytelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Secret in Their Eyes' violence. What affect does it have? Which parts are thrilling, and which are shocking? How much is shown and not shown? Do different types of media violence have different impact?
What are the characters' sexual relationships like? Do characters overstep their bounds, or are they respectful? Who decides what the boundaries are? How is sex portrayed overall?
What does the movie have to say about life after 9/11? How were things done differently?
Jess makes a fateful decision at one point in the movie. Do you agree with what she did?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 20, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : February 23, 2016
- Cast : Nicole Kidman , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Julia Roberts
- Director : Billy Ray
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : STX Entertainment
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material involving disturbing violent content, language and some sexual references
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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