In Secret (2013) is a historical drama film directed by Charlie Stratton, based on the novel Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola. Set in 19th-century France, the film tells the story of Thérèse (played by Elizabeth Olsen), a young woman trapped in a loveless and oppressive marriage to her sickly cousin, Camille (played by Tom Felton). She is forced to care for him in a gloomy and oppressive household run by his overbearing mother, Madame Raquin (Jessica Lange).

Thérèse’s life is one of repression and isolation, and she feels suffocated by the constraints of her circumstances. However, everything changes when Laurent (Oscar Isaac), a charming and passionate man, enters her life. Laurent is a friend of Camille’s, and his attraction to Thérèse sparks an illicit affair between the two. As their secret relationship deepens, they become increasingly desperate to be together. Thérèse finds herself torn between guilt and desire, struggling with the consequences of her actions. Their affair takes a dark turn when the couple conspires to murder Camille in order to free themselves from the constraints of their marriage.

They stage his death to look like an accident, but their plan leads to unforeseen complications. As the couple tries to cover up their crime, their guilt and paranoia begin to consume them, and they spiral into a downward emotional and psychological spiral. The film explores themes of passion, guilt, obsession, and moral decay. It showcases the destructive power of repressed desires and the devastating consequences of betrayal.

The characters are haunted by their actions, and the atmosphere of the film is dark, tense, and brooding, reflecting the internal turmoil of Thérèse and Laurent. In Secret received praise for its haunting and intense performances, particularly from Elizabeth Olsen, who delivers a powerful portrayal of Thérèse’s inner conflict. The film’s gothic tone and psychological depth make it a compelling adaptation of Zola’s classic novel, with a chilling exploration of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of living in secrecy.