Every Secret Thing

Every Secret Thing is a gripping and thought-provoking mystery drama film released in 2014. With a brilliant ensemble cast led by Diane Lane, Brynne Norquist, and Eva Grace Kellner, this movie unravels a heart-wrenching plot set amidst a small town gripped by an unsettling mystery.

The narrative revolves around the life of two 11-year old girls, Alice Manning (Brynne Norquist) and Ronnie Fuller (Eva Grace Kellner). The friends are imprisoned due to their involvement in the abduction and subsequent death of a biracial baby. Alice, daughter of Helen Manning, portrayed by Oscar nominee Diane Lane, is portrayed as a compulsive liar while Ronnie is her loyal yet estranged sidekick.

Their stories intertwine tragically as they serve juvenile detention and return home as troubled 18-year olds to their small town, only to be met with mistrust and disgust by the community. The past continues to haunt them as they navigate the harsh realities of society, all the while dealing with their own inner demons.

Matters take a foreboding turn when children start to disappear again and all eyes turn on Alice and Ronnie, echoing history. The story plunges into a deeper mystery exploring crucial themes such as racial bias, societal judgement, guilt, and redemption. Elizabeth Banks adds an extra layer of complexity to the story. She stars as Nancy Porter, a dedicated detective haunted by guilt of her own, trying to untangle this convoluted web of deception and disappearances.

This psychological thriller, based on a novel by Laura Lippman and directed by Amy Berg, takes you on a captivating journey as it underlines the impact of past events on the present lives of its characters. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks, providing insights about Alice's and Ronnie's disturbing childhood, hinting at the reason behind their unnerving behavior.

With most of the story set against the gloomy backdrop of the small town and sparse yet effective dialogues, the movie does an excellent job of creating an eerie atmosphere. Yet, the gloominess is balanced out by unexpected moments of warmth and dark humor, adding depth to the characters and their relationships.

Under the thoughtful direction of Amy Berg, Diane Lane adds immense depth to her character, Helen Manning. Lane navigates the roles of a mother, a socialite, and a doubter with equal ease. Brynne Norquist and Eva Grace Kellner deliver impactful performances that make the characters of Alice and Ronnie chillingly believable. Banks, as the detective with her guilt-riddled past and a desperate quest for redemption, adds an edge to the storyline and contributes valuably to the gradual build-up of suspense.

The movie also boasts a powerful screenplay by Nicolle Holofcener, which is rich in exploring fragile human relations and dissecting societal norms. The storytelling has a unique approach, revealing each character's multiple layers gradually, keeping the audiences in the guessing game till the very end. Every Secret Thing offers many emotional twists and turns that make it a completely absorbing watch.

The cinematography enhances the somber mood, cementing the alarming theme of the film. With melancholic music subtly underlying many scenes, this adds a haunting quality to the narrative.

The beauty of Every Secret Thing lies in its ability to address disturbing subjects without resorting to melodrama. The film exposes raw human emotions and interactions while managing to maintain a deathly quiet throughout. The potent combination of intense performances, a gripping storyline, and qualitative direction makes it a must-watch for lovers of crime dramas.

Overall, Every Secret Thing is a compelling cinematic journey that captures the complexities of human nature against a backdrop of tragedy and suspicion. It effectively conveys that people may not always be what they seem on the surface, highlighting the importance of confronting the past to make peace with the present. It is a poignant tale that leaves a lasting impression, a dark story told compellingly.