The Secret in Their Eyes
A retired legal counselor writes a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior--both of which still haunt him decades later.
Directed by Juan José Campanella · Drama · Mystery · Romance · 129 min · 2010
Trailer
Director
Juan José Campanella
Writer
Juan José Campanella, Eduardo Sacheri
Studio
N/A
Release
21 May 2010
Runtime
129 min
Genres
Drama, Mystery, Romance
Full Plot
In 1999, retired Argentinian federal justice agent Benjamín Espósito is writing a novel, using an old closed case as the source material. That case is the brutal rape and murder of Liliana Coloto. In addition to seeing the extreme grief of the victim's husband Ricardo Morales, Benjamín, his assistant Pablo Sandoval, and newly hired department chief Irene Menéndez-Hastings were personally affected by the case as Benjamín and Pablo tracked the killer, hence the reason why the unsatisfactory ending to the case has always bothered him. Despite the department already having two other suspects, Benjamín and Pablo ultimately were certain that a man named Isidoro Gómez is the real killer. Although he is aware that historical accuracy is not paramount for the novel, the process of revisiting the case is more an issue of closure for him. He tries to speak to the key players in the case, most specifically Irene, who still works in the justice department and who he has always been attracted to but never pursued due to the differences in their ages and social classes. The other issue is that Gómez is still at large, no one aware if he is alive or dead. But as Pablo at the time mentioned that passion is one thing that cannot be changed in behavior, Benjamín learns now that that premise still holds true.
Cast & Characters
Benjamín Espósito, a judiciary employee in charge of solving the rape and murder of Liliana Coloto
Ricardo Darín
Irene Menéndez Hastings, a judge and Espósito's superior, who helps him with his investigation
Soledad Villamil
Ricardo Morales, Liliana Coloto's grieving widower
Pablo Rago
Pablo Sandoval, Espósito's alcoholic friend and assistant
Guillermo Francella
Isidoro Gómez
Javier Godino
Romano
Mariano Argento
Judge Fortuna
Mario Alarcón
Inspector Báez
José Luis Gioia
Liliana Coloto
Carla Quevedo
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $2.0M, The Secret in Their Eyes has grossed $34.0M worldwide — about 17.0x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
The Secret in Their Eyes
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Did You Know that The Secret in Their Eyes was a joint Argentine/Spanish production?
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Did You Know that director Juan José Campanella returned to Argentina from the US to film this movie?
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Critical Assessment
The Secret in Their Eyes holds 8.2/10 on IMDb (240,743 votes), 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80/100 on Metacritic.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of August 4, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.2/10 on IMDb (240,743 votes), 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Secret in Their Eyes's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
The Secret in Their Eyes holds a 89% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is The Secret in Their Eyes's IMDb rating?+
The Secret in Their Eyes has a 8.2/10 rating on IMDb from 240,743 votes.
What is The Secret in Their Eyes's Metacritic score?+
The Secret in Their Eyes has a Metascore of 80/100 on Metacritic.
Is The Secret in Their Eyes good? What are critics saying?+
The Secret in Their Eyes holds 8.2/10 on IMDb (240,743 votes), 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80/100 on Metacritic.
How long is The Secret in Their Eyes?+
The Secret in Their Eyes has a runtime of 129 min.
Who directed The Secret in Their Eyes?+
The Secret in Their Eyes was directed by Juan José Campanella.
Where can I watch The Secret in Their Eyes?+
The Secret in Their Eyes is available to stream, rent, or buy on Hulu, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, BFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, BFI Player Apple TV Channel.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The public reaction to "The Secret in Their Eyes" is largely positive, with many reviewers praising the original Argentine film and expressing enthusiasm for the Hollywood remake. The movie has been commended for its storytelling, directing, and performances, including those of Ricardo Darín and Patti D'Arbanville. Reviewers have also praised the trailer's emotional impact and the actor who played the main character.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
Please, I emplore you. This is the original ‘The secret in their eyes’ without the Hollywood gloss and Pseudo ‘Top Actors/Actresses’ The Agentinian original film that won best foreign film at the Oscars. Deservedly so. Don’t sell yourself short and see the Hollywood redo. It’s go…
Bazzjazz · 9/10Story, director, actors--I bow my head. Have not watched many Spanish movies lately, but along with Iñárritu's 'Amores Perros,' and Babenco's 'Pixote,' I’ve really been missing out.
afrebrd · 8/10For many years since his retirement "Espósito" (Ricardo Darín) has been haunted by a brutal case of rape and murder that he was unable to solve. He decides that maybe the best way to formulate his thoughts and re-order the investigation is to write a novel, so with the help of an…
CinemaSerf · 7/10
From the trailer's comments
One of the best movies I've ever watched in my whole life. Definetly in my TOP 5!
@brunosantanna9186 · 11 likesThe actor who played the rapist has a face you just want to kick.
@fdl238 · 14 likesI can't describe how amazing this movie was!
@srinivasnahak3473 · 0 likesShame I was too young to see this in the cinemas. I was the wrong age then
@emiliobello2538 · 1 likesWhere can I watch thus film...I can't find it
@bhagyashreemilind5685 · 3 likesWhere can I watch it with English subs??
@546walter · 5 likesIt looks very good
@emiliob7428 · 5 likes
