THE SECRET OF HER EYES (ARGENTINA/2009/JUAN JOSÉ CAMPANELLA)

Told through a series of flashbacks, The Secret Of Her Eyes follows the investigation of a brutal murder case in which a woman was raped and killed in her own home. Detective Benjamín Espósito shares responsibility for the case with knowledgeable lawyer Irene and bumbling assistant Pablo, but soon finds himself taking particular interest. Having found a set of dubious photos of a suspect named Isidoro, Benjamín determines to prove him guilty, even illegally breaking into the man’s home in an attempt to unearth evidence. The search eventually puts Isidoro to justice, but a year later he is released, becoming an assassin for the Partido Justicialista, a far-right political party. When Pablo is murdered, Benjamín assumes that the bullet was meant for him and moves to the countryside in self-imposed exile. But rather than finding peace or escape, Benjamín’s conscience is constantly blemished by the unfinished case, and one final attempt to solve it brings out shocking results.

Winner of the 2009 Best Foreign Film Oscar, The Secret Of Her Eyes is an engaging murder mystery romp, placing as much focus on the lives of the investigators as the case itself. Seasoned actor Ricardo Darín puts in an excellently stoical performance as Benjamín. But without placing too much emphasis on visual attractiveness, one can’t help but feel that The White Ribbon was robbed of the Oscar – asides from an incredible handheld sequence in which Benjamín and Pablo chase Isidoro during a football match, the film’s shooting style is peculiarly unremarkable.