Secret Things (2002)
A bold, provocative French drama where two women weaponize desire to conquer Paris's corporate world.
Secret Things - Movie Information
- Original Title: Choses secrètes
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Jean-Claude Brisseau
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 16, 2002 (France), July 22, 2005 (United Kingdom), December 4, 2003 (Germany), March 13, 2008 (Italy), February 17, 2006 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: Sekrety (PL), 都会性男女 (HK), Salaiset leikit (FI), Choses secrètes (FR), Il potere dei sensi (IT), Secret Things (US), Coisas Secretas (PT), Himegoto (JP)
- Production Companies: Les Aventuriers de l'Image, CNC, La Sorcière Rouge
- Production Countries: France
Secret Things - Plot
Two young women find themselves struggling to survive in Paris, street-wise Nathalie, a stripper, and naïve Sandrine, a barmaid. Together, they discover that sex can be used to their advantage, and pleasure.
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Secret Things - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jean-Claude Brisseau
Main Cast
- Coralie Revel
- Sabrina Seyvecou
- Roger Miremont
- Fabrice Deville
- Blandine Bury
- Olivier Soler
- Viviane Théophildès
- Dorothée Picard
- Pierre Gabaston
- María Luisa García
Writers
- Jean-Claude Brisseau
Producers
- Jean-François Geneix
Secret Things - FAQs
What is Secret Things about?
Secret Things follows Nathalie, a streetwise stripper, and Sandrine, a naive barmaid, as they team up in Paris and discover that seduction is a powerful currency. Together they scheme their way into the corporate world, using desire and manipulation to climb the social ladder — with increasingly dangerous consequences.
Does Secret Things have a happy ending?
Not exactly. The film builds toward a dark, almost mythological finale. As Nathalie and Sandrine get closer to the enigmatic Christophe, the story takes a sharp turn into tragedy and moral reckoning. It's a provocative, unsettling conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll.
Where can you watch Secret Things online?
Secret Things is available on Apple TV — you can rent or buy it there. It's worth checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region, as streaming options can change over time.
What makes Christophe such a compelling villain?
Christophe, played by Fabrice Deville, is the film's magnetic and deeply unsettling antagonist. He seems to hold an almost supernatural power over those around him, turning the tables on Nathalie and Sandrine's game of seduction. His cold detachment and psychological dominance make him one of French cinema's more memorable screen villains.
Who are the main actors in Secret Things?
The film centers on Coralie Revel as the calculating Nathalie and Sabrina Seyvecou as the more vulnerable Sandrine. Fabrice Deville plays the dangerous Christophe, while Roger Miremont and Blandine Bury round out the key cast in this story of desire and power.
Is Secret Things part of the New French Extremism movement?
Yes, Secret Things is often discussed alongside the New French Extremism wave of the early 2000s — a loose movement of films pushing boundaries with explicit content, transgression, and provocation. While Brisseau's approach is more erotic than viscerally violent, the film shares that movement's willingness to challenge audience comfort and social taboos.
Who directed Secret Things and what is his style?
Jean-Claude Brisseau directed Secret Things, bringing his characteristically bold, literary approach to erotic cinema. Known for blending philosophical undercurrents with explicit imagery, Brisseau crafts films that are as intellectually provocative as they are sensually charged. Secret Things is widely considered one of his most accomplished and controversial works.
What are some films similar to Secret Things?
If Secret Things caught your attention, you might enjoy House of Pleasures (2011), Going Places (1974), or Lie with Me (2005) — all films that explore desire, power, and transgression with a similarly bold hand. The Margin (1976) and Love at the Top (1974) are also strong picks for fans of provocative French cinema.
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