Nothing to Hide (2018)

Nothing to Hide (2018) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Nothing to Hide (Le Jeu) (2018) is a French psychological drama directed by Fred Cavayé. The film is a riveting exploration of secrets and relationships, built around a seemingly simple concept with far-reaching implications. The plot centers on a dinner party where a group of friends decides to play a game involving their smartphones, leading to unexpected revelations and tensions. The film’s intricate narrative and strong performances make it a standout example of modern French cinema.

In this review, we’ll analyze the film’s plot, performances, and thematic elements. We’ll also provide information on where you can stream or rent Nothing to Hide online in the U.S.

Plot Summary

The film opens with a group of friends gathering for a dinner party. During the evening, the conversation turns to the idea of a game where each guest places their smartphone on the table, agreeing to share all incoming calls, texts, and notifications with the group. What starts as a lighthearted challenge quickly unravels into a tumultuous evening as the group’s hidden secrets come to light.

As the game progresses, personal revelations lead to conflicts and confrontations, exposing the complexities and vulnerabilities within the friendships and relationships. The seemingly innocuous game transforms into a catalyst for dramatic and emotional disclosures, revealing the characters’ true selves and testing the strength of their connections.

The film explores themes of privacy, trust, and the consequences of exposing one’s personal life to others. It delves into the idea that even the closest relationships can be fraught with hidden agendas and unresolved tensions.

Key Characters and Performances

• Bérénice Bejo as Alice
  Bérénice Bejo delivers a strong performance as Alice, one of the central figures in the group. Alice’s character is portrayed with depth and emotional complexity, as her reactions to the game’s revelations reveal both her vulnerabilities and her resilience. Bejo’s performance adds significant emotional weight to the film, making Alice’s personal struggles and conflicts compelling and relatable.
• Stéphane De Groodt as Paul
  Stéphane De Groodt plays Paul, Alice’s husband, whose interactions with other characters become increasingly tense as the evening progresses. De Groodt’s performance captures Paul’s internal conflict and his reactions to the game’s revelations with subtlety and intensity. His portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the film’s exploration of marital and personal trust.
• Vincent Elbaz as Benjamin
  Vincent Elbaz portrays Benjamin, a friend of the group whose secrets and hidden agendas come to light during the game. Elbaz’s performance provides a mix of charm and vulnerability, adding to the film’s tension and emotional depth. Benjamin’s character serves as a crucial element in the unraveling of the group’s dynamics.
• Sabrina Ouazani as Marie
  Sabrina Ouazani plays Marie, whose involvement in the game leads to significant revelations and conflicts. Ouazani’s performance is marked by its emotional intensity and authenticity, making Marie’s reactions and struggles with the game’s outcomes feel genuine and impactful.

What to Expect from Nothing to Hide

Strengths

1. Engaging Concept: The film’s central concept of a smartphone game that exposes personal secrets is both intriguing and relevant. The premise provides a fresh take on the genre, offering a modern twist on the psychological drama by highlighting the impact of technology on personal privacy.
2. Strong Ensemble Cast: The performances from the ensemble cast are a major strength of the film. The actors’ ability to convey complex emotions and reactions adds depth to the narrative, making the characters’ revelations and conflicts feel authentic and engaging.
3. Tense and Emotional Drama: The film’s exploration of trust, privacy, and personal secrets creates a tense and emotionally charged atmosphere. The gradual unraveling of the characters’ hidden lives keeps the audience engaged and invested in the outcome of the game.
4. Character Development: Nothing to Hide excels in its character development, with each individual revealing different facets of their personalities as the evening progresses. The film provides insight into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of secrecy on interpersonal dynamics.

Weaknesses

1. Predictability: Some viewers may find the film’s plot predictable, particularly as the game’s revelations begin to unfold. While the concept is engaging, the narrative follows a somewhat familiar trajectory, with certain outcomes becoming apparent as the story progresses.
2. Limited Setting: The film’s setting, confined to the dinner party and its immediate surroundings, may feel restrictive to some viewers. The lack of external locations may limit the film’s visual variety and contribute to a sense of claustrophobia that may not appeal to everyone.
3. Character Motivations: While the film delves into the characters’ secrets and personal struggles, some viewers may find that the motivations behind certain actions are not fully explored. The focus on the game’s immediate impact may leave some questions about the characters’ backgrounds and motivations unanswered.

Direction and Cinematography

Fred Cavayé’s direction is effective in maintaining the film’s tension and emotional intensity. His focus on character interactions and the unfolding drama ensures that the narrative remains engaging and impactful. Cavayé’s approach allows the film to explore complex themes while keeping the audience invested in the characters’ journeys.

The cinematography, by Emmanuel Soyer, is straightforward but effective, emphasizing the film’s intimate and tense atmosphere. The use of close-ups and tight framing enhances the sense of claustrophobia and personal invasion, aligning with the film’s exploration of privacy and trust.

Where to Watch Nothing to Hide Online in the U.S.

Streaming Services

Nothing to Hide is available for streaming on several platforms:

1. Amazon Prime Video
   • The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing ranges from $9.99 to $12.99.
2. Hulu
   • Nothing to Hide is available on Hulu with a subscription. Hulu often features a diverse selection of international films, including this French psychological drama.
3. Apple iTunes
   • You can rent or purchase Nothing to Hide on Apple iTunes, with rentals priced around $3.99 and purchase options starting at $9.99.
4. Google Play Movies
   • The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies, with similar pricing: rentals at $3.99 and purchases ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.

Rental and Purchase Options

For additional rental and purchase options, you can also check:

• Vudu
• YouTube Movies

Rental prices generally range from $2.99 to $4.99, with purchase options typically falling between $9.99 and $12.99.

Physical Media

Nothing to Hide is available on DVD and Blu-ray, which can be purchased through major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Physical copies may include special features like behind-the-scenes content and director’s commentary.

Conclusion

Nothing to Hide (2018) is a captivating and thought-provoking psychological drama that explores the impact of technology on personal privacy and relationships. With its engaging concept, strong performances, and emotional depth, the film offers a fresh take on the genre. While the plot may feel predictable and the setting somewhat limited, the film’s strengths lie in its character development and its exploration of complex themes.

Available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, as well as for digital rental and purchase, Nothing to Hide is accessible for those interested in a modern psychological drama with a unique premise. If you’re looking for a film that delves into the intricacies of personal secrets and relationships, Nothing to Hide is a compelling choice.