The Secret of the River – A Mexican Series Tackling Controversial Themes with Effectiveness and Honesty

The Secret of the River - Netflix
The Secret of the River - Netflix
October 09, 2024 7:40am EDT

The Secret of the River” is a Mexican series created by Alberto Barrera starring Diego Calva, Trinidad González, Frida Sofía Cruz, Mauro Guzmán, and Jero Medina.

“The Secret of the River” is a Mexican series set in a small, traditional Mexican town where an unusual event shakes the community: a boy arrives who is different from the rest. He prefers dresses and does not feel attracted to the opposite sex. Despite his homosexuality, he forms a friendship with another boy. However, when his friend tries to defend him at the river, an accident occurs, resulting in the death of another boy. This tragic event shatters their friendship and ignites a series of intrigues within the town.

About the Series

“The Secret of the River” stands out for its well-crafted script, which goes beyond merely presenting homosexuality as a problem for the community. The screenplay skillfully develops the friendship story and features a host of secondary characters with their own subplots that add depth and interest to the narrative. The series does not aim to preach but rather to unfold a compelling story supported by an excellent script. It achieves this with an aesthetically pleasing style, a well-paced narrative, and commendable performances. While it includes both good and bad characters and contains a degree of didacticism, its core message transcends these elements, ultimately conveying a universal truth: friendship surpasses all.

The series is replete with merits, but one stands out above all: despite being a high-quality production aesthetically, it allows the characters to evolve and the actors to shine. It is one of those rare series that successfully merges human elements with visual appeal. Although it does not lean towards auteur cinema, it is well-shot and meticulously crafted from a cinematographic standpoint. The creators understand the paramount importance of the story, allowing the actors to take center stage.

Our Opinion

“The Secret of the River” is a commendable series that revisits the theme of homosexuality within a traditionalist setting, but this time with coherence, a strong script, an engaging storyline, and actors who deliver their roles convincingly. It is a good story with a well-developed script, offering a thoughtful exploration of complex themes without falling into the trap of oversimplification or didacticism. The series manages to balance its aesthetic qualities with a deep human touch, making it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in nuanced storytelling.

Where to Watch “The Secret of the River”

Netflix

The Secret of the River | Official Trailer | Netflix