Tell Me Your Secrets (I) (2021) User Reviews

Hamish stole the show

[handycapt1 · 7/10 · 6 April 2021]

Hamish Linklater - award worthy role. He plays a rapist with a brilliant troubled mind. You first meet him as a man on the mend that is trying to heal, to become 'normal' and helpful. I personally felt his desire to change.

His regression is slow slide back into insanity, violence, cruelty.

There were lots of good scenes, story lines, and character development.

I would have rated it higher but Hamish just dwarfed the other roles.

I can't wait to see him in future productions, like a Season 2 please.

More Hamish please

[hjschoors · 8/10 · 21 February 2021]

I spent all day watching this series. I really enjoyed it. There were so many storylines, you think you're waiting to find out what happens during one story line and then it crosses with another. Definitely kept me on my toes. As far as I'm concerned, Hamish stole every scene he was in. More please.

It's not bad, but unfinished

[bangel3322 · 6/10 · 28 February 2021]

I'm in two minds about this show. I felt it was all a big build up to a rather unsatisfactory conclusion. (Except Theresa being the villain....I do not see that coming). There will have to be a season 2 to pull everything together because if not there are many things that still need to be explained:

1. Pete's wife's backstory needs more explaining. And so, if that's not her book at the cabin, whose is it? Who was marking their time at the cabin? 2. How exactly was Pete involved with what happened at St Jerome's? 3. Did Rose's mother know all along what was happening at St Jerome's and that Bodie was behind it? And how are the staff involved? 4. What's the deal with the mystery motel room? And what does Caterina really know about it? 5. How long had Kit known Theresa before he met Karen? And where was Theresa the whole time he was going out with Karen? 6. Who exactly is Adam to Theresa? 7. Did Kit even really kill anyone or was it all Theresa? What were her reasons for it? Did he cover for her? 8. Why did John become so obsessed with finding Karen? 9. Why was Theresa's necklace found on Amy's body? 10. Why is Mary such an evil character and why is she getting away with it????? 11. When we will see justice for poor Karen?

Once these things have been answered I can rate it higher. Until then, for me it's all a bit of a mess.

Spectacularly G R I P P I N G

[Her-Excellency · 10/10 · 7 March 2021]

10/10

Entirely gripping and engaging from Episode 1 through the end of Episode 8. Episodes 9 and 10, however, lacked some plausibility and required a greater measure of suspension-of-belief than the previous episodes. Still, as a whole (or for the first eight episodes), it was immensely absorbing and enveloped me so completely, that I could not stop myself from binging it through to the end. Here, I have to add - although I almost hate doing so because I fear it might come across as gender-defining this series, that it is especially terrifying in parts, if you have ever experienced a stalker or abuser; harassment; manipulation or exploitation in any form. I do not want to include more as I do not wish to give away important plot pieces, but you can almost taste the emotions being "experienced" by some of the characters, and in films and television shows, isn't this precisely what we look for?

So, as others have already suggested, do yourself a favor and totally ignore the negative reviews on this little gem. A majority of those so-called "reviews" are thoroughly nonsensical. One, below, reads: 'I barely finished episode 1 and don't know how this show has a rating of 7.5'. I guess we should give that Einstein credit for not judging the entire season on part of one episode. Oh, wait. They did. Yet another so-called review on RT (which in itself is a joke), reads, in part: "... the problem is the script treats this like a potboiler when it deserves more seriousness ...". Sorry, but I can almost guarantee that purported 'top-critic' has been phoning-in critiques for a while now without ever bothering to watch the source material. This series, is chock-full-of both, nail-biting, pot-boiler suspense and undeniable, keep-you-awake "seriousness", which they would have known had they watched it. If anything, one could say the analogy of a tea kettle boiling and whistling on a stove is how best this series can be described. Take from that what you will.

Lastly, to their enormous credit, the cast members are all highly believable in their respective roles with stand-out performances by many, but especially so, Lily Rabe, Hamish Linklater, Enrique Murciano and Emyri Crutchfield.

THIS is must-watch TV.

Truly Twisted Character Turns

[dropsets · 9/10 · 21 February 2021]

Leaps and bounds more engrossing and satisfying than "The Undoing", " Your Honor", and " The Sinner S2"

Rabe, Linklater, and Brenneman all inhabit their characters and the script keeps things moving at a steady , but swampy pace in keeping with the story locale and themes.

A creepy voodoo vibe a la " True Detective S1" and a myriad of complex characters each with layers of secrets ( similar to those in "Bloodline") make for a binge-worthy watch.

Pour out a couple of fingers of dark rum,Curl up with someone you trust(!) and let this atmospheric drama seep into your bones.

You want secrets? You've come to the right place

[dfloro · 7/10 · 29 March 2021]

If ever there was a title that represented truth in advertising, this is that title. All the characters in this limited series have their secrets, and in some cases, their their own hearts and minds keep secrets from themselves. The series features very good writing and excellent acting, especially from the principals: Lily Rabe, Amy Brenneman, and Hamish Linklater. Plenty of twists and turns for fans of murder mystery thrillers. So why did I rate this only 7 out of 10? Because the last couple of episodes start to spiral down a bizarre rabbit hole of secrets and conspiracies that are not plausible. "Heroes" become "villains" and vice versa. Certain secrets that we finally thought that we had learned and understood, turn out to not be true. That's all well and good if my disbelief and trust in "Occam's Razor" can be suspended, but everybody has their own limits in that regard, and mine were exceeded. Plus, I have a pet peeve about the last scene/shot of a drama being used to set up a "sequel" (or a second season, in this case), and not to provide any closure to the original story/season. Hence, a potential 9/10 shrinks by two.

Bad reviews are unjust

[jmmclellan-59275 · 10/10 · 21 February 2021]

The bad reviews are ridiculous. If you love murder/mystery with a psychological spin, you'll love this series. Just because some can't follow the plot, character development and the overall story doesn't make this a horrible show. One review said they watched for 17 minutes and immediately gave it a horrible review because they couldn't follow it. The show is nothing short of amazing. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot going on but that's what had me hooked. Give it a chance and hopefully you'll find it as submersible as me.

Oh please

[Headturner1 · 7/10 · 20 February 2021]

I almost didn't watch because of the crap reviews glad I didn't. This was a decent little series. Yes it was convoluted but the reviews about fake swans ad music??? I didn't see a fake dead swan nor was the music that bad. I mean they played this quirky music during some tense scenes but It didn't make the show suck for me. With all the crap stuff that's come out during these times I have to say this is not one of them. The ending was a bit rushed and I couldn't stand Brenaman's character but I thought it was decent.

Watched in 2 days

[chelsebug-99478 · 9/10 · 21 February 2021]

I could not stop watching this. The way they drew out the story and gave just small pieces of memories kept me hooked!! I can't wait for a season 2. If you love a good murder mystery, this is for you! The final episode took so many twists and turns it blew my mind. Only one complaint is a spoiler alert so stop here if you haven't seen it.

In what world can the "bad guys" continue living with the injuries they sustained? I've always hated this aspect of horror movies...

A bit crazy towards the end but binge worthy.

[mattmusko · 7/10 · 21 February 2021]

This series is better than many of the reviews here. The last two episodes were all over the place and rushed but the build up was good and the initial premise was fine. There were some wonky twists towards the end that went overboard but it's a limited series so I guess they didn't feel constrained to reign anything in for seasons that are never gonna happen.

Oh Wow! Not your normal Thriller.

[wildlime · 10/10 · 21 February 2021]

I saw quite a lot of mixed reviews on here but I really like Lily Rabe so I thought I would give it a go.

This is a brilliant series with multiple character plots lines.

The whole first half you won't really be able to guess or fully understand what's going on.

The last 3 episodes really bring it to a climax with plenty of twists and turns and plenty of explanation as to what's going on.

If you love a series which keeps you guessing then this is for you!

People who don't like people

[aarpcats · 7/10 · 22 January 2022]

Amy Brenneman Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater all started on the stage before graduating to "character actors" on film and television. They know how to steal a scene.

In this series, Brenneman plays a grieving mother who will (quite literally) do anything to find out what happened to Theresa, her missing daughter. Rabe is the woman who was there when her serial killer boyfriend snatched Theresa, and cannot forgive herself for not stopping him. Linklater is a serial predator who hopes to stop looking for prey. Meanwhile, someone is killing young girls, and a local foster home is full of potential victims.

The show is helmed by Harriet Warner of "Call the Midwife," but its Louisiana setting, subject matter, and pacing seem more rooted in the gloomy "True Detective." Fear and depression follow each of the three lead characters through the steamy swamps and grimy buildings.

They all have something to hide, and the series gives us the slow, plodding revelation of their secrets. Sadly, the pacing is uneven, with more happening in the first episode than in the next three.

The production values are generally good, but the sound is at time uneven. Music drowns out voices, and the dark sets made it hard for me to watch in a well lit room.

There are multiple plots, which mean it is best seen as a binge stream over a few days.

I enjoyed most of it, and thought the acting was phenomenal. The plot? Unbelievable, but THIS IS TV.

Started so well then fell completely apart....

[ronalamont-91472 · 1/10 · 19 December 2021]

I'm at a loss to describe how badly downhill this series went and what a waste of time watching it was. The first episode was full of promise and set the story up really well but then it dragged on and on adding red herrings and subplots that made absolutely no sense until, eventually, losing the plot completely. By the last three episodes nothing made any sense at all. Characters flipped back and fro from sweetness to insanity, travelled from town to town seamlessly, subplots came and went as often as the characters' hair changed color. Mary's family disappeared completely as did her toy boy which was just as well because they wouldn't have been able to justify any of her actions if set in the real world. It became so absurd by the last episode there was no real story left. Just a series of incoherent nonsensical vignettes strung together and masquerading as a story. My five favorite absurdities were John's hair color which kept changing, the total lack of a comprehensive timeline or the proximity of locations and states to each other, the original owner of the hair salon in Minnesota turning up in La to correct Karen's recall and revealing she'd seen Kit with Theresa but hadn't mentioned this crucial piece of evidence at the trial and Mary's immediately caring for and rescuing Karen after spending the previous 9 episodes being ready to kill her. I should have given this one a miss when I saw how bad a wig Karen was wearing in the flash backs.

Great. Great. Great.

[mac57 · 10/10 · 21 February 2021]

Watched 3 episodes last night, just finished 5 this afternoon, and can't stop talking about. Lily Rabe is fabulous (as usual) but the rest of the cast is equally impressive. The plot is taut, the dialogue is quick, and it gets your attention right off the bat. I have no idea about some of the low ratings.

excellent series....ignore the bad reviews

[tmb-79345 · 8/10 · 20 February 2021]

Anyone who is confused simply needs to watch and pay attention. The story does jump in time but easy to follow. Watch it...judge for yourself...but don't let the totally unjustified bad reviews turn you away.

I recommend it, just if you don't mind open ends... and lots of unanswered questions.

[jjrojasgambrulis · 7/10 · 29 June 2021]

Good show. Addictive rhythm. Good screenplay.

Acting is outstanding with a few exceptions and a couple of very weak scenes.

Script is fine. But everything is so twisted that need to work back to back with good editing

Bad editing. Too many open issues. Not every single question must be answered but at least the final edition needs to provide some closure or light to some of them.

Reasons... Backgrounds Come on! You can do better.

Dig in and enjoy!

[cagirl-54824 · 9/10 · 20 February 2021]

I watched the first episode and was hooked. I wanted to know a bit more about it and came across some really surprising reviews. I mean the vitriolic language and bizarre level of loathing - what is going on?! Now I'm really curious because there is no way this series compelled so much passionate anger. I'm now 4 episodes in, it's definitely creepy, suspenseful, well acted, beautifully shot, super weird, and I am confused about what is really happening- but so far I love it. It's "not for everyone" but no genre is. Give it a try if creepy and suspenseful are your bag. You'll probably like it, maybe even love it.

Why didn't...

[luvthatmouse · 6/10 · 26 February 2021]

...Kit tell the cops/FBI who really helped him? Did he even kill anyone? Was it all Theresa ? If he loved Emma/Karen so much and wanted their daughter safe why not tell everyone? Including Mary.

Loved it!

[beck-83754 · 9/10 · 20 February 2021]

I really enjoyed this show. Would love to see a season 2 and the story pick up where it left off.

Excellent until the last episode

[kjilly-53873 · 6/10 · 22 February 2021]

This was a terrific story within a story within a story BUT I feel like like last episode was a Hail Mary trying to tie it it all up as quickly as possible without enough details for complete closure. I think this story warranted one or two more episodes. And "Karen" deserved a better ending

Unexpectedly riveting

[UniqueParticle · 9/10 · 5 April 2021]

Lily Rabe is astonishing and I'm sure the show only gets better from the pilot. I was recommended this by my mom unsure if I'd like it but I definitely do, especially the cast and thriller aspect! I'm surprised IMDD's rating is 7.4 I guess some didn't like it, the high ratings/praise are well deserved. The emotions are so powerful and the way everything was filmed is extraordinary!

Twisty, Turning Mystery in the Bayou

[mycannonball · 7/10 · 6 November 2021]

Love the atmosphere of this. The swampy, marshy setting. The main characters are flawed and interesting. If I were to describe the way that they change throughout, that would constitute a spoiler, so I'll just say that it's fun to see some grow in good ways and others devolve in other ways. The intersection of these people into each other's lives is when the story really starts to heat up. I'm looking forward to season 2.

Started off good, then became ridiculous

[lizmagnuson · 5/10 · 1 June 2021]

The first 2/3 of the show is pretty entertaining and engaging, but eventually it starts to get way too convoluted and ridiculous with a lot of plot holes. Then they resolve basically nothing in the end and are clearly just setting up the show for a second season.

First review EVER, couldn't let this one slide!

[tokayloco · 8/10 · 20 February 2021]

This series was right up my genre alley for so many reasons. Solid performances from all, the writing, and keeping you on your toes & guessing throughout made me binge this in a day. The characters (and I do mean ALL of them) are so twisted & complex and written oh so well. Lily Rabe's talents are nothing new, so another A+ for her, but this review is more about Hamish Linklater. I've been a fan of his from way back and was thrilled to see him again, but in a whole different (disturbing) way. This guy knows how to deliver a well written line or scene to perfection. There's no character he can't pull off and his John Tyler is just plain creepy, yet a lot of fun to watch with his, sweet, dorky, unassuming affect. He nailed this boogeyman.

I don't know why some reviewer's find this so confusing . I have a hard time following complex stories with lots of characters (a lot of rewinding for this ADHD brain,) however that's NOT the case with this one. You're meant to keep questioning and doubting these characters; Until nonexistent to fragmented memories become lucid, we just won't know the truth (or what we think we know.). ...And that's what makes this great, (and right up my genre alley!)

Loved it!

[ayogasong · 10/10 · 21 February 2021]

Hoping for a Season 2! Lily Rabe is awesome! Couldn't stop watching.