A Review of ‘Secrets’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from ‘Secrets’ Courtesy of Viaplay.

It really is safe to say that some people, live dual lives. One, is a living lie, where they offer a person that is friendly, comfortable and admirable. But behind closed doors, they are a totally different person. One that leads a life that might shock us or leave us disappointed, and yet… that life brings fulfillment to their soul for reasons that we do not understand. Which is why, they live in two worlds. One with the mask they wear to get through the day, that brings them acceptance, and one without where they find what they need by any means necessary, and well, this is a truth that we all learn, along the way, and are shocked by it of course. For we truly believe that people are inherently good and honest, and what you see is what you get.
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But learning that lesson does bring about more questions for us. Such as… why would someone live that kind of life? Because it cannot be easy living in two worlds nor can any good come from it. So… why do that? Well as peak television continues to expand and stories are in high demand, slowly but surely, we are getting shows that explore such matters. So we can indeed finally figure out why on earth people seemingly make this choice and are eager to keep that second life, a secret from the rest of the world, and it just so happens that a new series on Viaplay takes the time to dive into such matters like never before and in doing so, Secrets provides us with a sobering perspective on matters that truly do confuse us, all by introducing us to a pair of siblings… that lead two lives.

There’s Eva, a middle-aged woman with a sound marriage and wondrous career. And there is her brother, Mads. A warm and kind music teacher that is adored by his students and also has a wondrous family life with a daughter he adores. In fact, they both appear to be wonderful people that are worth knowing. But they both harbor secrets that change that perspective. For Eva is not faithful at all and is doing her best to be near an important client in a romantic manner. And Mads is a mess. For he loves drugs and alcohol, and he believes that he should often unwind with it after a long day. Granted. That process takes hours. But he and his sister seem quite happy with their life choices. Until the universe decides that the time has come for them to tear down the membrane separating their two lives.

Which brings forth. A powerful examination as to why people choose to live two lives. Some of the answers are simple, as evidenced by Mads journey, since addiction is no joke and not something that someone just magically shakes off. While others are far more complex and grounded in far more difficult matters. The kind that requires real work and real understanding and that is what makes this series so special. In that, it truly dives into the root causes and ponders deeply upon if we are able to heal from such darkness and how we come back from the ghosts that haunt us and the demons that tempt us. Giving rise to a powerful series.

One that truly explores an aspect of the human condition we don’t discuss all that much or admit to on a personal level. Since we have all, or will dabble, in some measure of duality and seeing its consequences on display here and pondering upon its causes gives rise to a powerful series. One that feels raw and feels visceral and leaves us with plenty to ponder upon regarding the complex choices we make to satisfy the Id and satisfy the norms. Which makes this a must-see series, since it is so incredibly deep and enriching and the best news of all is you can enjoy the gravity of this series right now. For Secrets is now streaming on Viaplay and we hope you give it a look. To enjoy a stunning story about the human condition. One that opens our eyes to so much.

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