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Every Secret Thing

Name: Every Secret Thing
Director: Amy J. Berg
Released: 2014
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

2014

Director

Amy J. Berg

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Amy J. Berg’s documentary emphasizes psychological depth and the deconstruction of official narratives. It excels in challenging the reliability of traditional institutions like the legal system and community consensus. The film’s strength lies in its sophisticated, postmodern approach to realism. It avoids a sanitized view of justice, instead focusing on how systemic structures and institutional errors affect individuals. However, the film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters and diverse multi-layered identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Every Secret Thing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. The plot focuses solely on the legal and criminal aspects of the main case.

How does Every Secret Thing portray gender?

Fair

Women play significant roles in the film, both through their personal experiences and as investigators. The movie centers around women navigating a male-dominated legal environment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Every Secret Thing?

Fair

The film explores how social identity and community secrets shape perceptions of guilt. It depicts a community influenced by specific mid-Atlantic socioeconomic and racial factors.

How does Every Secret Thing represent religion and culture?

Good

The film examines the flaws in Western legal systems and subjective morality. It portrays how community stability can be undermined by trauma and misinformation.

Does Every Secret Thing include disability representation?

Fair

The documentary delves into the psychological trauma and mental health issues resulting from wrongful imprisonment. It provides a detailed look at the emotional impact of such trauma.

Present on Screen

Gives significant roles to female subjects and investigators.
Explores the psychological impact of long-term trauma deeply.
Challenges the reliability of institutional justice and community consensus.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Does not feature a broad range of racial or ethnic identities.
Focuses on a localized investigation rather than broader storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity.

Official Synopsis

One clear summer day in a Baltimore suburb, a baby goes missing from her front porch. Two young girls serve seven years for the crime and are released into a town that hasn't fully forgiven or forgotten. Soon, another child is missing, and two detectives are called in to investigate the mystery in a community where everyone seems to have a secret.

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