Netflix’s Secrets We Keep opens with a gripping mystery that shatters the serene facade of an affluent Copenhagen suburb.In this six-part Danish miniseries, the disappearance of a young au pair exposes the unsettling truths lurking beneath the polished lives of the elite.
The episode begins with Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen) returning to her luxurious home, only to notice her neighbor’s au pair, Ruby (Donna Levkovski), acting strangely. Later, Ruby confides in Cecilie, expressing her desire to leave her host family, Rasmus (Lars Ranthe) and Katarina (Danica Curcic). Cecilie, caught between empathy and social boundaries, advises Ruby to discuss her concerns with her employers. This interaction becomes the last time Cecilie sees Ruby.
The next morning, Katarina informs Cecilie that Ruby has vanished. Despite the alarming circumstances—Ruby’s belongings and passport remain untouched—Katarina and Rasmus exhibit a disturbing lack of concern. Their dismissive attitude raises red flags for Cecilie, who begins to question the dynamics within her social circle.
As Cecilie delves deeper, she discovers unsettling aspects of her friends’ lives. Rasmus, her husband’s boss, displays a condescending demeanor, while Katarina’s indifference towards Ruby’s disappearance hints at deeper issues. Cecilie’s own au pair, Angel (Excel Busano), expresses fear and frustration over Ruby’s fate, highlighting the vulnerability of foreign domestic workers in privileged households.
The episode masterfully builds tension, using Cecilie’s perspective to unravel the complexities of class, privilege, and power. Her growing unease is palpable as she navigates the superficiality of her social environment, where appearances are meticulously maintained, and inconvenient truths are ignored.
Director Per Fly and writers Ina Bruhn and Mads Tafdrup craft a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking.The cinematography captures the stark contrast between the opulence of the setting and the underlying darkness of the characters’ lives. Marie Bach Hansen delivers a nuanced performance as Cecilie, portraying a woman torn between her comfortable existence and the moral imperative to seek justice.
Secrets We Keep Episode 1 sets the stage for a series that promises to explore the hidden depths of human behavior and the consequences of turning a blind eye. As Cecilie embarks on a quest for truth, viewers are invited to question the cost of silence and the true nature of the secrets we keep.
