Netflix has unleashed a new crime thriller, Secrets We Keep (originally titled Reservatet in Danish), that’s taking the streaming world by storm. Released on May 15, 2025, this six-episode Nordic noir series has skyrocketed to the top of Netflix’s global charts, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and sparking a frenzy among viewers. Social media is ablaze with fans raving, “10/10 isn’t even close!” and calling it one of the best binge-watches of 2025. With its gripping plot, layered characters, and sharp social commentary, Secrets We Keep is a must-see thriller that’s leaving audiences hooked, shocked, and begging for more. Here’s why this Danish series is blowing minds and dominating conversations.

A Gripping Premise That Hooks from Episode One

Set in an affluent suburb north of Copenhagen, Secrets We Keep dives into the dark underbelly of wealth and privilege. The story centers on the mysterious disappearance of Ruby (Donna Levkovski), a young Filipino au pair working for the ultra-rich Hoffmann family, Rasmus (Lars Ranthe) and Katarina (Danica Curcic). When Ruby vanishes after confiding in her neighbor Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen) that she needs help, Cecilie becomes consumed with uncovering the truth. Joined by her own au pair, Angel (Excel Busano), and a rookie police investigator, Aicha (Sara Fanta Traore), Cecilie’s investigation unravels a web of secrets, lies, and moral corruption that threatens to shatter her perfect world.

The series, created by Ingeborg Topsøe and directed by Per Fly, masterfully blends psychological suspense with social critique. Each episode, running 34 to 38 minutes, ends on a cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to stop watching. Within days of its release, Secrets We Keep surged to No. 1 on Netflix’s non-English TV charts, amassing 10.3 million views and 38.6 million hours viewed in its first week alone. It hit the top 10 in 82 countries and claimed the No. 1 spot in 28, proving its universal appeal. Fans on platforms like X have praised its “mind-bending guessing game,” with one user exclaiming, “That plot twist?? You need to watch Secrets We Keep on Netflix. 10/10 🤭💯”.

Why Critics and Fans Are Obsessed

Secrets We Keep has earned universal acclaim for its taut storytelling and bold exploration of societal issues. Critics have hailed it as a “gripping noir whodunit” that surpasses even 2025’s biggest hits like Adolescence and The White Lotus. Collider’s Samuel R. Murrian wrote, “It explores similar thematic territory to this year’s most zeitgeisty hits and in some ways handles its dark material even better.” The series’ 100% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its critical darling status, with reviewers praising its “addictive and atmospheric” vibe and “fantastic companion piece to Adolescence”.

Viewers are equally enthralled, though some have mixed feelings about the finale. The series’ slow-burn tension, layered characters, and shocking twists keep audiences glued to their screens. One Reddit user raved, “I bingewatched all six episodes and was hooked from the beginning to end,” while another noted, “It’s wild just how many layers there are to this series,” pointing to its nuanced portrayal of class, race, and gender dynamics. However, some fans have criticized the ambiguous ending, with one reviewer lamenting, “The finale felt rushed and unsatisfying. Key plotlines were either ignored or wrapped up too neatly”. Despite these critiques, the series’ ability to spark debate only adds to its allure.

The show’s pacing is a standout, delivering a compact yet impactful narrative that can be binged in just over three hours. Critics like Joel Keller from Decider have praised its focus, noting that it “doesn’t try to distract viewers by sending them down too many dead ends” while weaving a story about “class, race, and wealth”. This balance of pulpy entertainment and social bite has drawn comparisons to Harlan Coben’s thrillers, making it a perfect pick for fans of Missing You or Hold Tight.

A Stellar Cast and Visionary Creative Team

The ensemble cast of Secrets We Keep delivers powerhouse performances that elevate the series. Marie Bach Hansen shines as Cecilie, a wealthy executive grappling with guilt and suspicion as she uncovers dark truths about her neighbors and family. Danica Curcic steals scenes as Katarina, a complex character whose privilege masks her own vulnerabilities. Lars Ranthe’s Rasmus exudes arrogance, while Simon Sears as Cecilie’s husband, Mike, adds tension with his questionable motives. Newcomers Excel Busano and Donna Levkovski bring authenticity to their roles as Angel and Ruby, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles of immigrant au pairs.

Directed by Per Fly (Borgen) and written by Ingeborg Topsøe, Ina Bruhn, and Mads Tafdrup, the series is a masterclass in storytelling. Topsøe, inspired by Denmark’s au pair culture and its hidden power dynamics, told Tudum, “I’ve always been fascinated by the power structures within a family. Denmark is often portrayed as an egalitarian society, and I’ve never seen homes like these portrayed on TV”. This fresh perspective, combined with Fly’s atmospheric direction, creates a world that’s both glamorous and unsettling, with pristine villas hiding “rotting secrets”.

Unpacking the Social Commentary

At its core, Secrets We Keep is more than a whodunit—it’s a scathing critique of privilege, class disparity, and systemic exploitation. The series sheds light on Denmark’s au pair system, where many workers, often Filipino women, face precarious conditions in wealthy households. Ruby’s disappearance exposes the indifference of both the elite and the authorities, with one character noting, “If it were a Danish woman, they would be already looking”. The show also tackles toxic masculinity and the objectification of women, with disturbing scenes of local teens trading illicit recordings and characters like Katarina making racially charged comments about au pairs.

Cecilie’s journey is particularly compelling, as her initial “white guilt” evolves into a confrontation with her own complicity in these systems. As one critic noted, “The series manages to naturally inject questions about privilege, the racialization of domestic work, and individual responsibility in the face of systems that benefit some at the expense of others”. Yet, the show doesn’t preach—it weaves these themes into a thrilling narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the final moments.

The Controversial Ending

Without spoiling too much, the finale of Secrets We Keep has divided audiences. While the series builds suspense masterfully, some viewers felt the resolution left too many questions unanswered. Time.com described it as an “ambiguous ending” that underscores the show’s point about privilege and justice—or the lack thereof. Others, however, appreciated the open-ended nature, arguing it mirrors the messy reality of systemic issues. As one Reddit user put it, “The best part was the message left behind about really disgusting people, and how far they will go to live in denial”.

A Cultural Phenomenon in the Making

Secrets We Keep has tapped into the global appetite for Nordic noir, following in the footsteps of hits like The Bridge and The Killing. Its rapid rise to Netflix’s No. 1 spot and comparisons to cultural juggernauts like The White Lotus signal its potential as a 2025 standout. The series’ ability to balance entertainment with thought-provoking commentary has made it a lightning rod for discussion, with fans on X and Reddit dissecting its twists and moral dilemmas.

For those craving a thriller that’s equal parts addictive and unsettling, Secrets We Keep is a no-brainer. Its compact runtime, stellar performances, and incisive social critique make it a binge-worthy gem that lives up to the hype. As one critic summed it up, “It’s a slow-burn thriller that transforms a familiar premise into something entirely more complex”. So, grab your remote, cancel your plans, and dive into this Danish masterpiece on Netflix—you won’t be able to look away.