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HIDDEN SECRETS

"Faith Thaws the Big Chill"

What You Need To Know:

HIDDEN SECRETS starts with what seems to be a suicide, with a man putting a gun to his head. The movie cuts to Chris's funeral. The preacher is preaching the Gospel. When the crowd goes to Chris's sister Sherry's house, their individual stories begin to emerge. Jeremy used to be Sherry's fiancée, but they broke up years ago. Now, his girlfriend is pushing him hard to make a commitment. Gary, played by John Schneider, is half Jewish and antagonistic to the Christian faith. The wife of another friend is a very angry Christian, who makes a point of telling everybody they're going to Hell.

HIDDEN SECRETS is dramatically compelling and entertaining. The writing has some very good insights into character. Much of the acting, especially by Tracy Melchior, John Schneider and David White, is very good. What is unique about this movie is the strong faith-based, Christian content that constantly references the Bible. None of these references are preachy. They flow from the discussions within the characters. Those who like character studies will find themselves encouraged, uplifted and entertained by HIDDEN SECRETS. MOVIEGUIDE® urges audiences to find out more about these hidden secrets.

Content:

(CCC, FR, V, S, A) Very strong Christian worldview with many quotes from Scripture, with a very slight antinomian tinge mocking and rebuking one character who's slightly legalistic but overall a very good balance; no foul language; man falls off roof, man appears to be ready to put a gun to his head to commit suicide; some discussions of sex, including ex-homosexual character, but no sexual activity; no nudity; possible drinking in nightclub; no smoking; and, nothing else objectionable.

More Detail:

HIDDEN SECRETS is reminiscent of a famous character study movie that was a hit with baby boomers, entitled THE BIG CHILL. This time, the message affirms the Christian faith, but does so with some very interesting discussions from people who have had years of brokenness in their lives, such as one Jewish character, one ex-homosexual and one Christian woman in a hyper-legalistic mood.

The movie starts with what seems to be a suicide, with a man putting a gun to his head. The movie cuts to Chris’s funeral. The preacher is preaching the Gospel. When the crowd goes home to Chris’s sister (played by Tracy Melchior) Sherry’s house, their individual stories begin to emerge.

Jeremy (played by David A.R. White) used to be Sherry’s fiancée, but they broke up 10 years ago. Now, his new wannabe fiancée, Rachel, is pushing him hard to make a commitment. Gary (played by John Schneider) is half Jewish and very antagonistic to the Christian faith. The wife of another friend is a very angry legalistic Christian, who makes a point of telling everybody they’re going to Hell.

HIDDEN SECRETS is a dramatically compelling, entertaining movie. The writing has some very good insights into character. Much of the acting, especially Tracy Melchior (ONE LIFE TO LIVE and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL), and John Schneider (SMALLVILLE and THE DUKES OF HAZARD), is very good. The direction is good but not totally consistent. Very few scenes are superfluous, however, and very few moments are over the top.

What is surprising about this movie (considering how hard it is to do in movies) is the strong faith-based, Christian content that constantly references the Bible. None of these references are preachy or didactic. They flow from the discussions within the characters. This interesting flow attracted the screening audience so that some of them started to move closer in to follow the action of the movie, a very good sign.

Clearly, this is a low-budget movie. For the most part, it will be straight to video. Some of the jeopardy is soft and some of the plot points are delayed, but those who like character studies will find themselves encouraged, uplifted and entertained by HIDDEN SECRETS. MOVIEGUIDE® urges audiences to find out more about these hidden secrets.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.