The Secret of the River Netflix Series Review: The Secret of the River (Spanish: El Secreto del Río) is a Mexican suspense series released on Netflix in October 2024. This gripping eight-episode drama, created by Alberto Barrera, explores the complex intersections of friendship, gender identity, and cultural norms in a small Zapotec village in Oaxaca, Mexico. With its combination of thriller, mystery, and drama elements, the show creates an engaging narrative around two childhood friends whose bond is tested by a tragic event that changes the course of their lives. Directed by Ernesto Contreras, Alba Gil, and Alex Zuno, the series dives deep into the emotional and cultural struggles of its characters, making it a thought-provoking watch.
The Secret of the River Plot Summary
The show opens with a dramatic scene: a man falls into a river, hitting his head on a rock, as two young boys watch helplessly. This moment marks the beginning of a lifelong secret shared by the two friends, Erik and Manuel, whose lives are intertwined by tragedy. The story quickly shifts to a few weeks earlier, introducing the two boys as they form a bond in their small village.
Manuel (Frida Sofía Cruz Salinas), a boy with a soft demeanor and effeminate mannerisms, comes to live with his grandmother, Rafaela (Mercedes Hernández), in Oaxaca. Manuel’s mother is away receiving treatment for cancer, though he believes she’s working in the United States. Erik (Mauro Guzmán), a local boy, befriends Manuel, and the two quickly become close despite their differences. Erik is athletic, while Manuel is more reserved and thoughtful, often reflecting on his identity and place in the world.
Manuel is particularly fascinated by Solange (La Bruja de Texcoco), a muxe—a person assigned male at birth who presents as female in Zapotec culture. Muxes are considered a “third gender” in Zapotec society, a concept that intrigues Manuel and makes him reflect on his own identity. However, their growing friendship is put to the test when a violent incident at a family wedding leads to the accidental death of Erik’s uncle, Sergio. The two boys, scared and confused, decide to keep the death a secret, fearing retribution from their community.
Characters and Cast
The strength of The Secret of the River lies in its well-developed characters, who bring the story’s emotional depth to life.
Manuel/Sicaru (Frida Sofía Cruz Salinas/Trinidad González) is at the heart of the narrative. As a child, Manuel is quiet, introspective, and often the target of bullying due to his effeminate nature. His fascination with the muxe community and his struggle with his identity form the backbone of his character’s arc. Later in the series, we see him as an adult, living as Sicaru—a woman who has embraced her true self but still faces societal challenges.
Erik (Mauro Guzmán/Diego Calva), Manuel’s best friend, comes from a more traditional background. His father, Jacinto (Jorge A. Jimenez), holds rigid views on masculinity and is openly homophobic. Despite this, Erik forms a close bond with Manuel, and their friendship grows stronger after they decide to hide the truth about Sergio’s death. As an adult, Erik grapples with his feelings toward Sicaru, reflecting the conflict between his upbringing and his evolving perspective on identity and friendship.
Rafaela (Mercedes Hernández), Manuel’s grandmother, is a wise and supportive figure who introduces Manuel to the muxe community. She represents the link to Zapotec traditions and serves as a grounding force for Manuel as he navigates his identity.
Other supporting characters include Paulina (Yoshira Escárrega), Erik’s childhood crush and later his fiancée, who becomes entangled in the tension between Erik and Sicaru, and Solange (La Bruja de Texcoco), a muxe elder who plays a pivotal role in helping Manuel understand his identity.
Themes
The Secret of the River tackles several key themes, with identity and acceptance at the forefront. The concept of muxes, a third gender in Zapotec culture, plays a significant role in the series. While the idea of gender fluidity and non-binary identities may seem modern, the series highlights how such concepts have long been present in Indigenous cultures like that of the Zapotecs.
The show also delves into the theme of friendship, particularly how bonds are formed and tested in the face of trauma. Erik and Manuel’s friendship is central to the story. Their shared secret and differing life paths create a tension that explores how friendships evolve and whether they can survive fundamental changes in identity.
Another key theme is the influence of cultural and familial expectations. Erik’s father, Jacinto, embodies the toxic masculinity and homophobia prevalent in many conservative societies. His disdain for Manuel’s effeminate nature and his fear that Erik might be “corrupted” by the friendship adds a layer of conflict that resonates throughout the series.
The series also addresses the generational transmission of prejudice, contrasting the acceptance shown by the muxe community with the intolerance of characters like Jacinto. Yet, the show also offers hope by portraying Erik’s ability to overcome his upbringing and reconsider his biases.
Visuals Effect
The series is set in the beautiful yet remote landscapes of Oaxaca, which plays a crucial role in creating the atmosphere of the show. The serene yet haunting natural environment—rivers, caves, and wind farms—serves as the backdrop for the story’s emotional tension and mystery. The contrast between the peaceful village life and the dark secrets the characters harbor adds to the suspense of the narrative.
The show’s visuals, while not groundbreaking, effectively convey the isolation and closeness of the village, where everyone knows everyone else’s business, yet some secrets remain hidden. The cinematography captures the beauty of Oaxaca’s natural landscapes, providing a visual respite from the otherwise heavy themes of the series.
Conclusion
The Secret of the River is a compelling drama that weaves together themes of friendship, gender identity, and cultural expectations in a suspenseful, thought-provoking narrative. The show’s strength lies in its characters and the emotional complexity of their relationships, particularly between Erik and Manuel/Sicaru.
While the series suffers from uneven pacing at times, with some episodes feeling slower than others, it compensates with its rich exploration of identity and the ways in which societal norms shape individual lives. The inclusion of the muxe community adds a unique cultural dimension that sets the show apart from other dramas.
Ultimately, The Secret of the River is a deeply moving story about the power of friendship, the pain of self-discovery, and the courage it takes to live authentically in the face of prejudice. It’s a show that challenges viewers to confront their own biases while offering a message of hope and acceptance. Whether you’re drawn to its mystery, cultural insight, or emotional depth, this series is well worth the watch.