Secret in Their Eyes

"What Lies Beneath", "Fatal Attraction", "Gone Girl", "Primal Fear". Other than these films were all very intense, what else did they have in common? They all had endings that you just didn't see coming, and in spades! These type of films can be good, but also can appear to be bad. Sometimes it's nice to have plots spelled out for us so we aren't forced to think much, however I believe these formatted films are boring and uninteresting, if for no other reason than that of the element of lack of surprise. Well, if you are looking for the shocker impact, look no more, for it now comes in the package of "Secret in Their Eyes".

A tight-knit team of rising investigators-- Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts), along with supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman) is suddenly torn apart when they discover that Jess's teenage daughter, Carolyn (Zoe Graham) has been brutally and inexplicably murdered. Now, thirteen years later, after obsessively searching every day for the elusive killer, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he's certain can permanently resolve the case, nail the vicious murderer, and bring long-desired closure to his team. No one is prepared, however, for the shocking, unspeakable secret that will reveal the enduring, destructive effects of personal vengeance on the human soul.

This was intensely well directed by Billy Ray ("Shattered Glass" '03, "Breach" '07), in that this filmmaker has an incredible ability to force his characters to walk on eggs to bring home that intense, walking-the-tightrope feel to his projects, He hasn't directed a lot, but what he has done is has carefully chosen so as showcase these developed characters to the max. It was also extremely well written by Ray ("Volcano" '97, "Hart's War" '02, "Shattered Glass" '03, "Flightplan" '05, "Breach" '07, "The Hunger Games" '12, "Captain Phillips" '13) plus others. This film was based on the film, "El secreto de sus ojos" by Juan Jose Campanella and Eduardo Sacheri. Where Ray actually excels is writing screenplays, and as one can see by his resume, he is quite the veteran. Other than a couple of small places of slowness, this storyline will have you riveted. The film works off the format of going from the year, 2002, when Jess's daughter was killed to 13 years later when, after exhaustive research, Ray wants to reopen the case. Then the script goes back again, and this could easily be convoluted by any seasoned, well-honed writer, but Billy Ray took this and ran with it to give us a story that will have you biting your nails. And what can I say about Julia Roberts. This has got to be the best performance by her since "Erin Brockovich" 2000. She didn't just play a grieving mother-- the nuances she conveyed in her character were extremely life-like and realistic. She might be considered come Oscar time as could Ray for writing.

I actually love films where I don't see the twists and turns, which this has several, because the surprise element is like the cherry on top of the sundae. However, if you want everything stamped out for you, then this is probably a film that won't suit you. But hey, give it a try-- these types of films can jolt one in a way that you'll leave the multiplex remembering this for a while later.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                    Rated: PG-13                                111mins.