Everybody Knows is a 2018 Spanish-language suspense thriller directed by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, in which an event at a family wedding in Spain tears the lives of two families apart. The movie opens with Laura (Penélope Cruz) and her children travelling from Buenos Aires to their hometown near Madrid to attend the wedding of her sister Ana (Inma Cuesta). Upon their arrival, they are greeted warmly by their family, including Laura's former lover Paco (Javier Bardem). The reunion brings back old memories and feelings while also highlighting how each person in the family has moved on with their lives.
As the wedding celebration kicks off, Laura's daughter Irene (Carla Campra) is kidnapped. Panic hits the family as the kidnappers demand a large ransom for her safe return. The family suspects the kidnapping was an inside job but cannot figure out who among them would stoop so low. In the midst of the chaos, Laura reconnects with Paco, whose own family is tied up in the situation.
Everybody Knows is a suspenseful and emotionally charged journey into the complexities of family relationships, loyalty, and betrayal. It explores the themes of secrets and lies among individuals that were once close, but whose realities have now become more opaque. The relationships and dynamics amongst the characters are well-drawn, and the tension that ensues as the family struggles to uncover who is behind the kidnapping leaves viewers on edge.
The cinematography is beautiful, with many beautiful shots of the Spanish countryside serving as a canvas for the unfolding action. The score complements the story, and the pacing is steady and deliberate. The cast's performances are excellent, particularly Cruz, whose anguish over her daughter's kidnapping is palpable, and Bardem, whose portrayal of a conflicted, tormented character is nuanced and impressive.
At its core, Everybody Knows is a meditation on trust and the deeply intricate nature of personal relationships. It is a poignant exploration of the consequences of actions and how they can reverberate and impact the lives of others around them. Because the story unfolds in real-time, it is hard not to feel like a participant in the family drama.
Overall, Everybody Knows is a well-executed thriller that portrays the frailties and strengths of human relationships in a realistic light. Farhadi's directorial work is superb, and his ability to weave suspense and intrigue in such an emotional story is remarkable. If you are looking for a high stakes thriller that explores the depths of human relationships, then Everybody Knows is a must-watch for you.
Everybody Knows is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 15 hours.
