Netflix's new thriller The Secret Woman has been branded a "masterpiece of clichés" and "cinematic fast food" by frustrated viewers, despite claiming the number-two spot on the streamer's worldwide movie chart.
The Nordic thriller stars Natalie Madueño as Louise Andersen, whose peaceful life on a Norwegian island is shattered when a stranger insists she is Helene Söderberg, a woman who vanished from Denmark three years earlier. Forced to question her identity, Louise leaves the man she loves to uncover the truth about her mysterious past, discovering she is not only already married but also the mother of a young boy.
Netflix teased: "As she delves deeper into the mystery as Helene, she uncovers a shocking truth that turns her world upside down."
Viewers vent frustrations on IMDb
While some fans praised it as a strong thriller with an excellent cast, many felt it was extremely far-fetched and unrealistic, and they took to IMDb reviews to vent their qualms. One viewer said: "I found this movie very frustrating. It starts well, but then becomes a chain of increasingly unbelievable decisions."
They went on to add: "The biggest problem is that the characters repeatedly fail to do the most obvious thing: call the police. Instead, they keep making one questionable decision after another, especially the main character. Rather than creating suspense, the characters' irrational choices become frustrating."
Another viewer agreed, sharing: "If you were born with no brain, then you'll be just like the main character. The decisions by the characters at the ending of the movie was so infuriating I had to make a review. Don't recommend watching if you have common sense and the ability to make rational decisions beyond the comprehension of an unborn child. Decent movie apart from that."
Mixed praise for Nordic feel
Another viewer commented: "A masterpiece of clichés. This movie kept me entertained, but I still wish I hadn't watched it. Everything about the plot is so unbelievable and unrealistic that it becomes genuinely ridiculous. Instead of being compelling, it was mostly annoying. It's cinematic fast food - disposable, trashy and packed with clichés throughout."
However, the thriller was praised for its Nordic feel, with one fan sharing: "If you value well-produced and well-written Scandinavian crime, this one easily belongs among the favourites." Another fan added: "This is a well-written, suspenseful thriller that kept me guessing throughout."
Chart success despite criticism
Despite the criticism, the film holds the number-two spot on Netflix's Top 10 worldwide movies chart, just behind The Whisper Man. In the UK, it has taken third place, having just been beaten by the extended look at the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.
On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, critics were quick to slam the film, but viewers at home saw greater promise, with one saying: "This Danish/Norwegian movie kept me engaged. The plot was tight and believable, and the actors were excellent." Another lamented: "Ultimately, The Secret Woman is a decent foreign film with an intriguing story and plenty of twists. It is currently available on Netflix and is worth checking out if you enjoy mystery films."
