Netflix continues its streak of captivating international thrillers, and the latest to dominate the charts is the tense Danish series, Secrets We Keep. Originally titled Reservatet, this six-part mystery quickly soared into the Netflix Top 10 upon its global debut on May 15th, proving to be a compelling binge for viewers hungry for dark, character-driven drama.
Within days of its release, Secrets We Keep secured the impressive number three spot on Netflix’s highly competitive list. This rapid climb highlights the strong global appetite for suspenseful storytelling, especially when infused with a distinct Nordic Noir edge.
What is Secrets We Keep About?
Set against the polished facade of a wealthy suburb north of Copenhagen, Secrets We Keep plunges viewers into a gripping mystery triggered by a disappearance. The series centers on Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen), a successful executive and mother whose seemingly perfect life is upended when Ruby (Donna Levkovski), the young Filipino au pair of her neighbors, vanishes without a trace.
Despite initial police hesitation regarding the “missing foreigner” case, Cecilie is convinced something sinister has occurred. Driven by her suspicions, she embarks on her own investigation, even enlisting the help of her own au pair, Angel (Excel Busano). They also find an unlikely ally in Aicha, a new rookie police investigator in need of assistance. As Cecilie and Angel delve deeper, they begin to peel back the layers of the affluent community, uncovering dark secrets, simmering conflicts, and the stark realities hidden beneath the privileged surface.
Exploring Privilege and Hidden Truths
Created by Ingeborg Topsøe and directed by Per Fly (known for Borgen), the series masterfully blends a taut missing person mystery with sharp social commentary. It critically examines themes of social class, privilege, exploitation, and the complex dynamics that arise when care and intimacy within a home are outsourced.
Director Per Fly described the show as fundamentally “a story about social class,” drawn to the stark contrast between the beautiful North Coast setting and the “human truths and secrets” lurking within. Creator Ingeborg Topsøe found placing a crime story in this specific affluent, domestic setting “especially compelling,” eager to explore what the au pair arrangement “stirs in people.”
The investigation itself becomes a catalyst for Cecilie’s personal journey, forcing her to confront her own biases and see her privileged world, family, and neighborhood in a drastically new light – particularly as Ruby’s disappearance reveals connections reaching into Cecilie’s own past and family.
Why This Danish Thriller is a Binge-Watch Phenomenon
While the premise of a concerned resident investigating a suburban disappearance may feel familiar, drawing comparisons to suburban suspense masters like Harlan Coben or shows like Big Little Lies, Secrets We Keep executes this formula with compelling efficiency. True to its title, the series excels at steadily revealing layers of secrets and lies, keeping audiences hooked.
A major factor in its viral bingeability is its concise format. Comprising just six episodes, most running around 35 minutes, Secrets We Keep is perfectly paced to be devoured quickly. This tight structure keeps the focus squarely on the escalating mystery and thematic depth, delivering new clues and twists at a rate that makes hitting “play next episode” almost irresistible. It’s designed for a one or two-sitting viewing experience.
Beyond the central mystery, the series adds significant weight by exploring the class divide and potential exploitation within modern society. This thematic depth has earned it comparisons to acclaimed Netflix shows like Adolescence and The White Lotus for its ability to combine engaging drama with insightful social critique. Some critics have even suggested it handles its dark subject matter better than other shows in some aspects.
Critical Acclaim vs. Audience Reactions: A Mixed Bag
Early reception for Secrets We Keep has generated considerable buzz. Critics have been overwhelmingly positive, bestowing upon it a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews. Critics have lauded it as “essential viewing” and “one of the best binge-watches of 2025 so far,” praising its gripping nature, intelligent storytelling, and effective handling of complex themes.
The audience reception on Rotten Tomatoes presents a slightly different picture, landing at a respectable but more mixed 76-77%. While many viewers online have echoed the praise, calling the show “thought provoking,” “nuanced,” and confirming they “binged it and loved it,” others have shared criticisms. Some felt the six-episode run was too short to fully develop characters, suggesting it “needed 2-3 more episodes.” A segment of viewers found the plot predictable, with some claiming they “figured out the whole plot pretty much by the second episode.”
Despite this variance in audience opinion compared to the near-universal critical praise, the show’s rapid ascent and sustained presence in the Netflix Top 10 are undeniable proof of its high viewer engagement and broad appeal. It successfully delivers a compelling mystery wrapped in thought-provoking social commentary that resonates widely.
Is Secrets We Keep Your Next Binge?
If you’re a fan of international mystery thrillers or the Nordic crime genre, Secrets We Keep is a strong contender for your watchlist. It offers a well-paced, suspenseful dive into the hidden darkness beneath a privileged facade, elevated by its sharp social critique and exploration of themes like the outsourcing of care and the impact of privilege.
Its compact, bingeable format makes it ideal for a weekend watch. Expect an ominous tone, a mystery that slowly unravels with thrilling twists, and a series that tackles relevant social issues alongside its captivating plot. Described as a “grown up Danish crime series,” it promises to hold your attention from start to finish.
You can stream the full series of Secrets We Keep on Netflix now.
References
- https://www.techradar.com/streaming/netflix/netflixs-new-hit-thriller-show-has-100-percent-on-rotten-tomatoes-heres-why-everyones-talking-about-secrets-we-keep
- https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/828540/netflix-gripping-suspenseful-crime-drama-next-binge-watch/
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/netflix-adds-nordic-noir-thriller-050000723.html
- https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/tv/netflix-adds-thriller-series-thats-1158799
- https://www.whattowatch.com/news/netflix-adds-a-new-nordic-noir-thriller-thats-sure-to-be-your-next-binge-can-it-live-up-to-the-are-murders
