“Secret in Their Eyes” is a thriller movie remake of a 2009 Argentinian film and brings a newer, more modern aspect to the story. It starts in an office setting; showing the protagonist looking through faces of criminals. As the mood is set to be a crime-solving movie, it moves to a police department in Los Angeles.

The movie revolves around the fact that Jessica Cobb’s (played by Julia Robert) child was brutally murdered; but there come complications along with arresting her killer, even though they have caught him.

Billy Ray directed the film, running 111 minutes long and not seeming to ever draw the plot out for too long a period of time. The main thing that was hard to follow were the frequent flashbacks.

Throughout the movie, there are flashes between present time, and 13 years in the past. The flashbacks were confusing at best, and not only did they confuse the plot, but made me mix what was present and what was past.

Despite the sometimes hard to follow timeline, the acting lived up to any expectations I had previously set upon knowing the renowned actress, Julia Roberts, was going to be in the film.

With characters suffering from anything from obsession to depression; actors such as Julia Roberts did not disappoint; however did have quite the role to play. She displays herself as a ragged, worn, emotionally exhausted parent. Well, bereaved parent, that is.

After her daughter is murdered, she goes a little bit crazy. Which is not healthy, considering that she is a cop, and needed on the cases to help out her partner, Raymond Kasten

This movie did an overall good job of displaying the corruption and behind the scenes work and reality of modern day FBI and Investigative units. Through viewing such a real story, the audience was able to gain an understanding for police struggles and wrong-doings.

Unless you can handle a dark, twisted thriller, “Secret in Their Eyes” may not be the best movie night choice for you.

by AVERY VAN DER LINDEN