The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)

Kernel Score: 88% · 2,796 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Drama

Released: 2009-08-13

Runtime: 130 minutes

Is The Secret in Their Eyes worth watching?

Must-watch. A superb Argentine mystery that works as both a cold-case thriller and a quietly aching love story. Strong performances and a famous long stadium chase help it stand tall; the ending lingers.

Watch it if you

  • like slow-burn mystery thrillers with emotional weight
  • enjoy foreign-language cinema
  • want a smart, well-written film

Skip it if you

  • don't want to read subtitles
  • are bothered by stories involving violent crime against women

Best for: Solo night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Secret in Their Eyes

  • Stream: Hulu
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Hoping to put to rest years of unease concerning a past case, retired criminal investigator Benjamín begins writing a novel based on the unsolved mystery of a newlywed’s rape and murder. With the help of a former colleague, judge Irene, he attempts to make sense of the past.

The Secret in Their Eyes parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that The Secret in Their Eyes is a mystery drama centered on a rape and murder investigation.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — The plot centers on a brutal rape and murder, with disturbing investigative and emotional content.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — A sexual assault is central to the case and discussed in detail.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Secret in Their Eyes

If you liked The Secret in Their Eyes, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Mystic River (2003) — 89%: Grown-up mystery about a crime that haunts those who investigate it.
  • The Invisible Guest (2017) — 88%: Twisty mystery that rewards close attention.
  • Argentina 1985 (2022) — 86%: Gripping Argentine legal drama about a hard-won pursuit of justice.
  • The Collini Case (2019) — 82%: Slow-unfolding legal thriller about a hidden past and guilt.
  • Chinatown (1974) — 87%: Classic mystery where the investigator is haunted by what he finds.
  • L.A. Confidential (1997) — 89%: Complex, mature crime story with a corrupt world.

Director

Juan José Campanella

Cast

  • Ricardo Darín as Benjamín Espósito
  • Soledad Villamil as Irene Menéndez Hastings
  • Pablo Rago as Ricardo Morales
  • Javier Godino as Isidoro Gómez
  • Guillermo Francella as Pablo Sandoval
  • Carla Quevedo as Liliana Coloto
  • Bárbara Palladino as Compliment Girl
  • Alejandro Abelenda as Pinche Mariano
  • Mario Alarcón as Judge Fortuna Lacalle
  • Rudy Romano as Ordóñez

The Secret in Their Eyes FAQ

Is The Secret in Their Eyes worth watching?

Must-watch. A superb Argentine mystery that works as both a cold-case thriller and a quietly aching love story. Strong performances and a famous long stadium chase help it stand tall; the ending lingers.

Where can I watch The Secret in Their Eyes?

In the US you can stream The Secret in Their Eyes on Hulu and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Secret in Their Eyes OK for kids?

The Secret in Their Eyes is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Secret in Their Eyes is a mystery drama centered on a rape and murder investigation.

What movies are like The Secret in Their Eyes?

If you liked The Secret in Their Eyes, try Mystic River, The Invisible Guest, Argentina 1985 and The Collini Case.