Possible spoilery talk but more about casting and characters than the plot.

The second half drags, but mostly I was really impressed by the kid playing Manuel.

Manuel, the character, is a 10ish year old transgirl figuring out she is a transgirl.

She's played by a cis actress and she does and incredible job.

The Secret of the River | Official Trailer | Netflix

Shout out for muxe rep.

YOOO WHAT

hate that you only liked the first half

that girl tho, damn

The second part isn't bad, but the children are so much more compelling. I feel this particular story would've been more effective if told non-linearly

cws for slurs, homophobia, transphobia, and various flavors of child abuse tho none of the physical stuff is graphic. Just the verbal bits which are brutal.

also shout out for Zapotec rep. Love it when indigenous languages are used on Mexican shows

I recommend it to anyone who can stomach constant abuse being thrown at a preteen. It's about culture and friendship and identity while surrounded by bigots.

Sicarú, the woman Manuel grows up to be, is played by a trans actress on her first ever role, so she's a little stiff. Not terrible but the lack of experience shows.