You are here:

Secrets

Name: Secrets
Director: Gavin Millar
Released: 1983
Duration: 77 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Limited

1983

Director

Gavin Millar

Runtime

77 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Secrets is a character-driven drama that emphasizes psychological depth over broad demographic representation. While the cast is narrowly focused due to its specific 1960s Irish setting, the film excels in its thematic subversion of social norms. The narrative effectively challenges institutional morality, particularly regarding the Catholic Church. By focusing on the internal lives of its female protagonists, the film goes beyond simple domestic drama to critique the systemic pressures of a conservative society. Ultimately, the film's value lies in its exploration of individual ability to act against communal expectations, even if it remains limited in its representation of diverse identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Secrets have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not explicitly include LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. It focuses on the social consequences and tensions related to sexual behavior during the period.

How does Secrets portray gender?

Good

The story centers on the female experience and challenges traditional hierarchies by giving women a significant role. It critiques patriarchal structures through the protagonist's journey in a restrictive society.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Secrets?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white and Irish, reflecting the 1960s setting. There is no intentional ethnic diversity among the main characters.

How does Secrets represent religion and culture?

Good

The film offers a sophisticated critique of the Catholic Church and strict social morality. It portrays traditional religious structures as oppressive forces.

Does Secrets include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant representation of visible or invisible disabilities as central plot devices or character traits.

Present on Screen

Centers female emotional and sexual autonomy, providing meaningful representation.
Critiques traditional religious and social institutions with sophistication.
Deconstructs traditional social hierarchies and patriarchal structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Features a predominantly white and Irish cast with minimal ethnic diversity.
Does not include representation of visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

An enjoyable story of a 13-year-old girl, Louise, who lives alone with her widowed mother. Louise is sent off to a boarding school, but not before she discovers some secret documents kept hidden by her father. A curious look reveals that her father was a member of the secret order of Freemasons. When she finally gets to school, she tries to explain to her friends what the Freemasons are. Later, Louise's mother discovers a box of condoms in her daughter's room and wrongly presumes that the girl is sexually active.

How are these scores produced? →