In Secret

Movie Title--  In Secret

Release Year--  2013

Running Time--  1 Hour and 47 Minutes

Director--  Charlie Stratton

Cast--  Elizabeth Olsen, Oscar Isaac, Tom Felton, Jessica Lange, Shirley Henderson, Matt Lucas, Mackenzie Crook, John Kavanagh

In 1860's Paris, trapped in a loveless marriage, Therese Raquin begins an affair with her husband's alluring friend Laurent that leads to tragedy.  

Therese (Elizabeth Olsen) is brought to live with her aunt, Madam Raquin (Jessica Lange) and sickly cousin Camille (Tom Felton).  As Therese grows into a young woman it is evident that Madam Raquin has not taken it easy on her.  When Therese learns that her father has passed away Madam Raquin is more concerned about the news effects Camille instead of her niece.  Therese is left with a small inheritance from her father.  

Camille soon announces that he has a job in Paris and Madam Raquin becomes concerned about him leaving so she insists that she buy a shop in Paris and become a shop keeper, a profession she had once held before Camille came along.  Camille insists it is a great idea and they will leave for Paris after the wedding.  Therese laughs and asks who's wedding they are going to and Madam Raquin informs her that it is her own wedding they are referring to.  Therese then asks who she will be marrying and Madam Raquin once again answers the question, telling her that she is to marry Camille.

Once they are settled in Paris, it is evident that there is no love between the couple and Therese spends most of her days behind the counter in the shop, while once a week they host an eclectic group of friend that come to the shop to play dominoes.  One week, Camille brings home Laurent LeClaire (Oscar Isaac), a childhood friend of his, to join the game.  Therese instantly dislikes him but over time develops a fondness for him that he reciprocates and they start a passionate affair that ends in tragedy.  

So, this film is not my favorite but it wasn't too bad.  This film had it's ups and downs.  I feel like for such a good cast there could have been better writing and more story to support them but I also feel like the actors did a good job with the material they were given.

As far as the story goes, this one could have been better.  Therese and Laurent are lovers that tend to wear on the viewers nerves after a while.  There is a twist at the end that I didn't see coming and hindsight says I probably should have though.  At first it is slightly shocking but once that wears off you just can't wait for it to be over.

I have the feeling a lot of people are not going to like this film, so I say, if there is an actor or actress in this film you like then, sure, it is worth a watch, otherwise you may want to skip it.  Make up your own mind but whatever you decide Don't Forget the Popcorn!