The Secret in Their Eyes
In 1999, retired Argentinian federal justice agent Benjamín Espósito is writing a novel, using an old closed case as the source material. That case is the brutal rape and murder of Liliana Coloto. In addition to seeing the extreme grief of the victim's husband Ricardo Morales, Benjamín, his assistant Pablo Sandoval, and newly hired department chief Irene Menéndez-Hastings were personally affected by the case as Benjamín and Pablo tracked the killer, hence the reason why the unsatisfactory ending to the case has always bothered him. Despite the department already having two other suspects, Benjamín and Pablo ultimately were certain that a man named Isidoro Gómez is the real killer. Although he is aware that historical accuracy is not paramount for the novel, the process of revisiting the case is more an issue of closure for him. He tries to speak to the key players in the case, most specifically Irene, who still works in the justice department and who he has always been attracted to but never pursued due to the differences in their ages and social classes. The other issue is that Gómez is still at large, no one aware if he is alive or dead. But as Pablo at the time mentioned that passion is one thing that cannot be changed in behavior, Benjamín learns now that that premise still holds true.
Despite its modest budget of $2.0M, The Secret in Their Eyes became a massive hit, earning $34.0M worldwide—a remarkable 1598% return. The film's fresh perspective attracted moviegoers, illustrating how strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
1 Oscar. 53 wins & 43 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) reveals deliberately positioned dramatic framework, characteristic of Juan José Campanella's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 9 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Retired Benjamín Espósito sits alone in his empty apartment, beginning to write his novel about a 25-year-old unsolved case. Establishes his solitary existence and haunting memories.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when 1974 flashback: Benjamin and Sandoval view Liliana's violated corpse at the crime scene. The brutality of the murder and the haunting image of her husband's grief disrupts Benjamin's routine investigative work—this case will be different.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 43% of the runtime—arriving early, accelerating into Act IIb complications. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False victory collapses: Gómez is released due to political pressure and judicial corruption. Benjamin and team learn he's been recruited by government death squads. What seemed like solved justice is revealed as complete failure. Stakes raise dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 86 minutes (67% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, 1999: Benjamin discovers that his beloved friend Sandoval was murdered years ago—killed by Romano in retaliation for their attempt at justice. Death of the mentor/companion. Benjamin's darkest realization of what his obsession cost., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 91 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 71% of the runtime. Benjamin discovers Morales has imprisoned Gómez for 25 years in a makeshift cell, exacting his own justice. The case resolves: Morales chose to confront his passion (revenge/justice) daily. Benjamin returns to Irene and finally confesses his love. She kisses him—both finally confront their passion instead of avoiding it., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Secret in Their Eyes's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Secret in Their Eyes against these established plot points, we can identify how Juan José Campanella utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Secret in Their Eyes within the drama genre.
Juan José Campanella's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Juan José Campanella films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.8, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Secret in Their Eyes takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Juan José Campanella filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Juan José Campanella analyses, see Underdogs.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Retired Benjamín Espósito sits alone in his empty apartment, beginning to write his novel about a 25-year-old unsolved case. Establishes his solitary existence and haunting memories.
Theme
Irene tells Benjamin: "A guy can change anything: his face, his home, his family, his girlfriend, his religion, his God. But there's one thing he can't change... he can't change his passion." Theme of immutable human nature stated.
Worldbuilding
1999: Benjamin visits Irene at the court to discuss his novel. Flashback to 1974: Introduction of the Liliana Coloto murder case, the brutalized young woman, and grieving husband Ricardo Morales. Establishes the past case, Benjamin's obsession, his partnership with alcoholic Pablo Sandoval, and his unspoken love for Judge Irene.
Disruption
1974 flashback: Benjamin and Sandoval view Liliana's violated corpse at the crime scene. The brutality of the murder and the haunting image of her husband's grief disrupts Benjamin's routine investigative work—this case will be different.
Resistance
Benjamin and Sandoval investigate leads, interviewing construction workers and dead ends. Benjamin studies photographs of Liliana and notices a man (Gómez) staring at her obsessively in multiple photos. They pursue the "passion" lead based on Irene's earlier statement. Preparation and detective work phase.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The investigation unfolds: Benjamin and Sandoval stake out a soccer stadium to catch Gómez (the famous continuous-shot sequence). They capture him, interrogate him, and believe justice will be served. The "fun and games" of detective work and the growing connection between Benjamin and Irene.
Midpoint
False victory collapses: Gómez is released due to political pressure and judicial corruption. Benjamin and team learn he's been recruited by government death squads. What seemed like solved justice is revealed as complete failure. Stakes raise dramatically.
Opposition
Benjamin becomes obsessed with illegal justice, kidnapping Gómez with Sandoval. Romano (corrupt colleague) threatens them. The system closes in. Benjamin's career ends, he withdraws from Irene without confessing his love. 25 years pass—he remains haunted, alone, unable to move forward.
Collapse
1999: Benjamin discovers that his beloved friend Sandoval was murdered years ago—killed by Romano in retaliation for their attempt at justice. Death of the mentor/companion. Benjamin's darkest realization of what his obsession cost.
Crisis
Benjamin grieves Sandoval, processes the weight of 25 years of avoidance. He sits with Irene, both acknowledging the price of their choices—careers, love, justice all deferred. Dark night of emotional reckoning.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Benjamin discovers Morales has imprisoned Gómez for 25 years in a makeshift cell, exacting his own justice. The case resolves: Morales chose to confront his passion (revenge/justice) daily. Benjamin returns to Irene and finally confesses his love. She kisses him—both finally confront their passion instead of avoiding it.