Why Netflix show Secrets We Keep is being compared to global hit Adolescence
A new Netflix drama, which follows two wealthy Danish families as they deal with the fallout from a missing Filipina au pair, is being compared by fans to Adolescence – the global hit that put a spotlight on incel culture and toxic masculinity. Secrets We Keep, a six-part limited series in Danish, premiered on May 15 and has struck a chord with viewers for its gripping pacing and unflinching look at racism and Denmark's au pair culture. The show, whose Danish title is Reservatet, has been viewed more than 10.3 million times since its debut and is currently the No 1 non-English show in more than 28 countries. The show follows Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen), a wealthy executive, whose neighbour's maid Ruby (Donna Levkovski) suddenly goes missing. After realising that her obscenely rich neighbours do not seem too bothered about their au pair's disappearance, Cecilie increasingly grows concerned. Her suspicion and investigation then eventually leads her close to home. Hit British show Adolescence broke Netflix viewership records, with many praising it for its technical achievement – each of the four episodes is shot in one take – and for tackling issues about toxic masculinity. While Adolescence centres around a 13-year-old boy being accused of murdering his classmate, a girl, Secrets We Keep is meant to be a thriller. But it also tackles several issues, from class divide to racism and spotlights the ramifications of an increasing number of young Danes being raised by foreigners. Like many of the wealthy families in the show, Cecilie and her husband Mike (Simon Sears) also employ a Filipina au pair Angel (Excel Busano), whose primary job is to take care of their toddler. Angel is also close to Ruby, their neighbour's au pair, who later goes missing. While Cecilie and Mike adore Angel, who in-turn seems to enjoy living with the family, Cecilie increasingly gets frustrated after noticing their pre-teen son Viggo's (Lukas Zuperka) attachment to Angel. Meant to be sort of a cultural exchange, under Denmark's au pair scheme, foreign nationals can live with a Danish family for up to two years where they learn the culture and language while contributing to the household. In return, au pairs are entitled to receive pocket money monthly as well as boarding and lodging. A large majority of au pairs in Denmark are Filipinos. Despite essentially being housemaids, they are not officially recognised as labour migrants and therefore are not protected by labour laws. No. Creator and co-writer Ingeborg Topsoe said she was fascinated by the power structures within a family. "Denmark is often portrayed as a very egalitarian society, and I've never seen homes like these portrayed on TV," she said. "Perhaps it's a reality we don't want to acknowledge the existence of. "Au pairs are 'part of the family', while being employed, and parents are well-meaning, while absent. It's these cold, hard facts, hidden beneath a soft layer of niceness, that intrigues me.' Secrets We Keep is now streaming on Netflix
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The National
25-05-2025
- The National
Why Netflix show Secrets We Keep is being compared to global hit Adolescence
A new Netflix drama, which follows two wealthy Danish families as they deal with the fallout from a missing Filipina au pair, is being compared by fans to Adolescence – the global hit that put a spotlight on incel culture and toxic masculinity. Secrets We Keep, a six-part limited series in Danish, premiered on May 15 and has struck a chord with viewers for its gripping pacing and unflinching look at racism and Denmark's au pair culture. The show, whose Danish title is Reservatet, has been viewed more than 10.3 million times since its debut and is currently the No 1 non-English show in more than 28 countries. The show follows Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen), a wealthy executive, whose neighbour's maid Ruby (Donna Levkovski) suddenly goes missing. After realising that her obscenely rich neighbours do not seem too bothered about their au pair's disappearance, Cecilie increasingly grows concerned. Her suspicion and investigation then eventually leads her close to home. Hit British show Adolescence broke Netflix viewership records, with many praising it for its technical achievement – each of the four episodes is shot in one take – and for tackling issues about toxic masculinity. While Adolescence centres around a 13-year-old boy being accused of murdering his classmate, a girl, Secrets We Keep is meant to be a thriller. But it also tackles several issues, from class divide to racism and spotlights the ramifications of an increasing number of young Danes being raised by foreigners. Like many of the wealthy families in the show, Cecilie and her husband Mike (Simon Sears) also employ a Filipina au pair Angel (Excel Busano), whose primary job is to take care of their toddler. Angel is also close to Ruby, their neighbour's au pair, who later goes missing. While Cecilie and Mike adore Angel, who in-turn seems to enjoy living with the family, Cecilie increasingly gets frustrated after noticing their pre-teen son Viggo's (Lukas Zuperka) attachment to Angel. Meant to be sort of a cultural exchange, under Denmark's au pair scheme, foreign nationals can live with a Danish family for up to two years where they learn the culture and language while contributing to the household. In return, au pairs are entitled to receive pocket money monthly as well as boarding and lodging. A large majority of au pairs in Denmark are Filipinos. Despite essentially being housemaids, they are not officially recognised as labour migrants and therefore are not protected by labour laws. No. Creator and co-writer Ingeborg Topsoe said she was fascinated by the power structures within a family. "Denmark is often portrayed as a very egalitarian society, and I've never seen homes like these portrayed on TV," she said. "Perhaps it's a reality we don't want to acknowledge the existence of. "Au pairs are 'part of the family', while being employed, and parents are well-meaning, while absent. It's these cold, hard facts, hidden beneath a soft layer of niceness, that intrigues me.' Secrets We Keep is now streaming on Netflix
Gulf Today
01-05-2025
- Gulf Today
How working-class Manchester kids became theatre troupe
Maira Butt, The Independent In the grey skies above the city of Salford, Zeus, Hera and Hermes recline, playing with the fates of the mortals living below. Powerless to their might, a band of Olympians defy their commands, wrestling to regain control of their freedom and their lives. The message of Gods of Salford — an original play that's just been staged in Manchester — is blunt. It's meant to be. This was a production that didn't at all shy away from its working-class origins. It was also the product of 25 young, first-time actors from working-class backgrounds, who were tasked with reimagining tales from Greek mythology as raucous testaments to class-driven defiance. The play came about between Manchester's Lowry Theatre, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the not-for-profit Not Too Tame, which has long incorporated working-class people and culture into the fabric of its being. 'It shows people what Salford's made of and to remember us,' the play's director Jimmy Fairhurst tells me. 'We're not something small. We're here, we're big, we're bold, we're northern, and that's what the show's all about.' The approach feels timely, too, in the wake of the Netflix sensation Adolescence, which followed a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. Actor Stephen Graham, who also co-created the series, discovered its young star, Owen Cooper, through an intentional auditioning process that targeted working-class communities in the north. Cooper, who lived on a Warrington council estate at the time of his audition, is soon set to star in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Graham calls the young actor's success the show's 'greatest achievement'. Cooper's rise to fame is unusual, though, with the current landscape in British acting relatively bleak when it comes to working-class talent. A study last year found that working-class representation in the TV and film industry has plummeted to its lowest level in a decade, with only 8 per cent self-identifying as from that background. Fairhurst, who also plays Zeus in the production, is only too aware of that fact. Describing himself as a modern-day Billy Elliot, Fairhurst says it took years for him to overcome doubts about his ability — or his right — to pursue a career in TV and theatre. 'It was a big hurdle to overcome,' he says. 'If you're from a certain background and your parents aren't headmistresses or prime ministers, you're told 'Don't make a fuss'.' It was something felt in each of the young people cast in the show as well, adds Jenny Riding, director of learning and engagement at the Lowry. 'Giving themselves permission has been a massive challenge for the actors,' she says, adding that the young stars have often struggled with feelings of 'self-sabotage'. As a response, Riding, Fairhurst, and their team have developed a person-centred approach that puts the needs of young performers at the forefront. Each part of the process takes into account their sensitivities, with several individuals overcoming complex life circumstances such as mental health, homelessness and foster care, to make it to the stage. Support that is offered includes things as simple as the use of fidget spinners in rehearsals — which have helped performers with conditions including anxiety or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — to transport help for those unable to afford it. More often than not, though, what is most provided is a sense of hope. 'Sometimes, because they don't feel that they're worth it, it can feel easier to quit and leave than it is to be told that you've failed again,' Fairhurst says. 'This is where the pastoral care side of it comes in. In a professional setting they might have lost their chance, but we reconnect with them and give them some support and encouragement and help get them back in the room.' He continues: 'There is an untapped scene on the coalface of culture, and that is because working-class people don't consider themselves or don't believe that they are artists,' says Fairhurst. 'There's a bloke down the road from me who passed away and there were boxes of poetry under his bed. No one knew. And all these people go, 'Oh that's not for me, or the likes of me', and I think there's something (important) about us going, 'no it is'. If you don't hear your voices or see your stories, how do you know that you're relevant? How do you know you've got a voice?' He's seen the promise of this first-hand. A 55-year-old friend of his, a joiner by trade, found his first job in the media via a set-building company that provides props for TV and film. It's proof, Fairhurst adds, that it's never too late to change your life. For 19-year-old Callum, who lives in supported accommodation, the change has been immediate. He first came across the Lowry through a scheme that provided those at risk of homelessness with free theatre tickets (in addition to other support). 'I came to a show called My Beautiful Laundrette and I met Jenny for the first time at the doors,' he says.
Hi Dubai
25-04-2025
- Hi Dubai
Netflix Originals to Look Out for in the UAE in 2025
Streaming habits in the UAE are evolving rapidly, and Netflix continues to stay ahead of the curve. As audiences seek content that is more immersive, diverse, and emotionally resonant, Netflix's 2025 slate is shaping up to deliver exactly that. From hard-hitting docuseries and global dramas to fantasy adventures and innovative comedies, the platform is pushing boundaries in storytelling while also catering to regional tastes. This year, Netflix is not only focusing on entertainment but also on reflection, with shows that explore identity, challenge norms, and inspire dialogue. Whether it's a tech-savvy satire, a heartfelt reality show, or a gothic horror masterpiece, these titles reflect how global narratives are being localised for UAE viewers and beyond. Here's a closer look at the most anticipated Netflix Originals making their way to screens across the UAE in 2025 and why they're worth your watchlist. Black Mirror – Season 7 Charlie Brooker's acclaimed anthology series returns with six new episodes, including a sequel to the fan-favourite "USS Callister." This season delves into the dark intersections of technology and society, featuring a star-studded cast including Emma Corrin and Peter Capaldi. Each episode presents a standalone narrative that challenges viewers to reflect on the unintended consequences of technological advancements. With its thought-provoking storytelling and sharp social commentary, Season 7 continues to push the boundaries of speculative fiction. Adolescence This gripping four-part British drama follows a family shattered by their 13-year-old son's shocking arrest for murder. With powerful performances and strong direction by Philip Barantini, it has quickly risen to third place on Netflix's all-time Most Popular English TV List. The series offers a harrowing exploration of guilt, responsibility, and the complexities of adolescence, making it a compelling watch for those interested in intense family dramas. The Forgotten Kingdom Set in an ancient world filled with magic and political intrigue, this fantasy series follows a young warrior discovering their destiny. With stunning visuals and a compelling narrative, it's a must-watch for fantasy enthusiasts. The series combines elements of mythology and adventure, creating an immersive experience that transports viewers to a richly imagined realm. F1: The Academy Produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, this seven-part docuseries offers an inside look at the 2024 F1 Academy season, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of emerging female drivers in the world of motorsport. The series provides an inspiring glimpse into the dedication and resilience required to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated sport, making it an empowering watch for audiences worldwide. The Residence Shonda Rhimes' new political mystery series delves into the secrets and scandals within the White House, offering a fresh perspective on power and politics. The narrative weaves together personal dramas and national crises, providing a gripping look at the complexities of governance and the human stories behind political decisions. The Woman in Cabin 10 Based on Ruth Ware's bestselling novel, this thriller follows a journalist who witnesses a mysterious disappearance on a luxury yacht, only to be told that nothing happened. Starring Keira Knightley, it's a suspenseful ride from start to finish. The film masterfully builds tension and keeps viewers guessing, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers. Running Point This 10-part sports comedy stars Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon, who unexpectedly becomes the president of a basketball franchise. Balancing humor and heart, it offers a fresh take on leadership and personal growth. The series combines the fast-paced world of professional sports with personal development, delivering laughs and life lessons in equal measure. You – Season 5 In the final season, Joe Goldberg returns to New York City, confronting his past and seeking redemption. This psychological thriller promises a gripping conclusion to Joe's dark journey. The season delves deep into themes of identity and morality, challenging viewers to consider the complexities of human behaviour. Love on the Spectrum – Season 3 This heartwarming reality series follows individuals on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating, offering genuine insights into love and relationships. The series is celebrated for its respectful and authentic portrayal of neurodiverse individuals, providing both entertainment and education. Stranger Things – Season 5 The beloved series culminates in Season 5, where Eleven and her friends confront their greatest challenges yet. The Duffer Brothers promise a feast for the eyes that pushes the limits of home entertainment. The final season aims to tie up long-standing mysteries and deliver an epic conclusion to the supernatural saga. Squid Game – Season 3 Mark your calendars for June 27, 2025! The highly anticipated, and final, season of "Squid Game" is poised to send waves through the streaming community. After an electrifying second season, viewers are keen to see if the series can end on a high note. The show continues to explore themes of desperation and morality, wrapped in high-stakes competition. The Ballad of a Small Player This drama follows a high-stakes gambler in Macau whose past catches up with him. With a stellar cast including Colin Farrell and Tilda Swinton, it's a tale of redemption and intrigue. The film delves into the complexities of addiction and the human desire for a second chance. The Devil's Plan – Season 2 This reality competition series returns with new contestants and even more devious challenges, testing the limits of strategy and deception. The show combines elements of game theory and psychology, offering viewers a thrilling and intellectually stimulating experience. The Gardener A gripping drama that delves into the complexities of family and secrets, "The Gardener" has captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and strong performances. The series unravels a web of hidden truths, exploring how past actions can shape present realities. These Netflix Originals are the kind of shows that stay with you. With new stories, bold ideas, and a growing focus on regional relevance, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for streaming in the UAE. Also Read:
