Film Review: Secrets

Secrets, Feature Film

Shaun Paul McGrath (Salvable) steps into the role of DI Richards, leading a gripping psychological thriller that carefully peels back layers of long-buried trauma and emotional reckoning. Directed by Christopher Norton (The Day I Met You) and written in collaboration with Liz Norton — the duo behind Sisters — the film delivers a slow-burning, emotionally intelligent story that lingers long after it ends.

At the heart of the story is Sammy Charlotte Jackson Coleman, (Silent Witness), a single mother struggling tohold herself together following the death of her own mother. Still raw from grief and mentally fragile, Sammy finds her carefully constructed reality unraveling when her daughter Ava starts asking questions — ones that stir up painful memories and forgotten family secrets.

As Ava digs deeper into their past, Detective Richards’ investigation begins to run in parallel, slowly merging into Ava’s personal quest. What follows is a layered exploration of generational trauma, hidden histories, and truths neither mother nor daughter are ready to confront.

Charlotte Jackson Coleman gives a beautifull and emotionally rich performance as Sammy. She brings quiet strength and vulnerability to a role that requires subtlety and emotional depth. Whether confronting difficult truths or trying to protect her daughter, Coleman’s performance feels lived-in and real, capturing the complexity of a woman torn between holding on and letting go.

Anna Georgina shines as Ava, offering a moving, introspective portrayal of a young woman trying to make sense of her identity. There’s a quiet intensity in her performance that makes every glance, pause, and line of dialogue feel meaningful. Georgina balances emotional vulnerability with fierce determination, grounding the film’s most revealing moments with genuine authenticity.

Shaun Paul McGrath brings a calm, steady presence to DI Richards, portraying a man who seems at once composed and quietly burdened by the moral weight of his job. It’s a layered performance that doesn’t overstate its impact — McGrath lets the silences do the work, and they speak volumes as is his portrayal of conflicted empathy and duty.

Mike Dickman (Gandhi) offers warmth and heart as Sammy’s partner — a grounding presence amid the family’s emotional turmoil. His character provides both a sense of hope and a stabilizing force for Ava. His understated performance and nuance gives the film moments of genuine connection, offering a contrast to the underlying tension simmering throughout.

Susan Graham as Mrs. Fall, a woman caught in the grip of past wounds that refuse to fade. With quiet dignity she captures the inner conflict of someone who has lived too long with unanswered questions. Her scenes are subtle yet incredibly powerful — adding another emotional dimension to the film’s complex narrative.

Director Christopher Norton brings a raw, documentary-style edge to Secrets, drawing on his nonfiction roots to create a naturalistic, almost voyeuristic

atmosphere. The camera often lingers just long enough to make viewers feel like they’re witnessing something deeply personal — sometimes even too personal. That discomfort, however, is part of what makes the film so absorbing.

The film doesn’t rely on conventional plot twists or dramatic revelations. Instead, it builds tension slowly, focusing on emotional truth over spectacle. The writing by Norton and his sister Liz is sharp and layered, allowing characters to unfold gradually and authentically.

Secrets is more than a thriller — it’s a deeply felt meditation on guilt, silence, and the emotional legacies we inherit. Its strongest moments come not from what is said, but from what is left unsaid. Each character feels grounded, each interaction charged with the weight of history.

In a cinematic landscape often obsessed with speed and shock, Secrets takes its time — and it’s all the better for it. With its quiet tension, emotional subtleties , and standout performances, it’s a film that doesn’t just ask questions — it forces its characters (and viewers) to sit with the answers.

This is a smart, haunting, and emotionally resonant piece of storytelling — a quiet triumph that stays with you long after the credits have rolled.