Still plagued by a violent, unsolved case from his past, retired criminal prosecutor Benjamin Esposito (Darin) decides to write a novel in an effort to finally find closure. No sooner has be began work on the project than ghosts of the past are unearthed and Esposito finds himself drawn back into the murky world of yesteryear.
Flashing between the present and 1970s Argentina, The Secret in Their Eyes recounts the gruesome murder of a young teacher, Espositos entanglement with the investigation and strained friendship with the victims grief stricken husband and his unrequited attraction to his superior, Irene (Villamil). Delving back into the sinister world he once left behind, Esposito uncovers yet more dark truths that set him down an even darker path.
Its easy to see why The Secret in Their Eyes scooped the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Feature back in 2010. The story, a superior take on the crime drama, packs plenty of punch, skilfully mingling genres. The romantic subplot between Esposito and Irene is well considered and perfectly played, utterly believable as a relationship thats stalled many a time over the years. The thriller element is also healthy and well executed, with memorable chase sequences and encounters delivered with adrenalin and energy. And of course theres the harrowing dramatic story at the films centre, the emotional toll evident in the eyes of all involved.
Director Juan Jose Campanella excels behind the camera, deftly handling the assortment of genres at work and generally delivering a superior experience throughout. Each and every scene looks sensational, with rich and detailed sets that look every inch part of the real world. Behind the camera, Campanella opts for an assortment of angles and techniques with well judged experimentation that spices up the routine and mundane.
Ricardo Darin is enthralling in the central role, playing perfectly against all his supporting players, whatever strand of the story they occupy. And the script, an unpredictable and meandering tale, proves utterly engaging throughout.
Overall Verdict: Completely deserving of all accolades heaped upon it, The Secret in Their Eyes is one story youll have a hard time forgetting, for all the right reasons. This well appointed DVD release is the perfect excuse to see what all the fuss is about.
Special Features:
Cast and Crew Interviews
Behind the Scenes
Trailer
Digital Copy
Reviewer: David Steele