Every Secret Thing

Every Secret Thing is a psychological thriller released in 2014 that follows the investigation of the kidnapping and murder of a baby girl named Ronnie. The movie stars Diane Lane as Helen Manning, a detective assigned to the case years later when two young girls, Alice and Ronnie, are released from prison after serving time for a similar crime they committed when they were just children.

The story takes place in a small suburban town on the outskirts of New York City. The opening scene shows Alice and Ronnie, both 11 at the time, playing near a park where a birthday party is taking place. They are fascinated by a baby girl in her stroller, and when the mother momentarily leaves her unattended, the girls take the baby and leave with her. When the mother returns, she is devastated to find her child missing, setting off a frantic search that ultimately ends in tragedy.

Fast forward several years and Alice and Ronnie are now teens returning to their community. They are met with constant stares, whispers and ugly comments as they try to piece together their tarnished reputations. The townspeople cannot forgive or forget their heinous crime. A young girl goes missing, and Alice and Ronnie become the prime suspects once again. Helen Manning is assigned to the case and begins trying to understand the girls' behavior and motivations. She talks to the witnesses, parents, and friends of the girls, trying to piece together the events leading to Ronnie's death.

The movie's suspenseful plot is fueled by the interactions between the different characters, each of whom is trying to keep their secrets hidden. Helen Manning is struggling with her own family and entangled relationships as she tries to maintain a professional demeanor. Her partner, Detective Nancy Porter, seems to be hiding something from her that they had worked together before. Ronnie's mother, Harriet, is still grieving and barely able to cope with the loss of her child, and Alice's mother Ruth, is overbearing and instrumental in protecting her daughter from both the past and present accusations.

As the movie progresses, the audience is presented with several suspects, each with their own motives that suggest they have a part in the kidnapping and murder of Ronnie. As they unravel the events of the past, the girls' behavior starts to become increasingly obscure and they are soon under suspicion once again. Helen is racing against time to save the missing child as well as unravel the mystery behind the death of Ronnie.

The acting performances from Diane Lane, Brynne Norquist, Eva Grace Kellner are exemplary, with emotional depth, guilt, and beauty that elevate the movie's themes. The cinematography is well-executed, accentuating the film's darker atmosphere, lending a certain visual appeal to its somber themes. Every Secret Thing is based on the novel by Laura Lippman and adapted by writer-director Amy Berg, whose expertise shines through the careful unraveling of the story's intricate themes.

In conclusion, Every Secret Thing is a thrilling mystery movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The film manages to weave elements of psychology, mystery, and drama into a tight storyline that is captivating. As the story builds to its climax, the audience will be left wondering who is ultimately responsible for Ronnie's death and the fate of the missing child. The film is an absolute must-watch for those that love clever twists and brilliant turns in storytelling.