66
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91The PlaylistRodrigo PerezThe PlaylistRodrigo PerezMeticulously crafted and investigated (and no doubt heavily vetted by lawyers), Berg brings a sobering solemnity to a very grave matter, but also lends a dignity to its subjects without pandering.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeBerg's film is very tightly focused, examining just one arena of abuse and dutifully addressing only cases in which an accuser is willing to appear on camera.
- 70VarietyRonnie ScheibVarietyRonnie ScheibThe amazing invincibility of Hollywood-entrenched pedophiles creates a thematic unity of its own in Berg’s otherwise somewhat shakily constructed film.
- 70The New York TimesKen JaworowskiThe New York TimesKen JaworowskiAn Open Secret is affecting, particularly when the victims recount their experiences in voices that crack with emotion or pause with pain. Even if you do look away, hearing them speak is enough.
- 70Los Angeles TimesSheri LindenLos Angeles TimesSheri LindenClunky elements aside, the film's distillation of firsthand testimony and archival material has haunting implications.
- 60Village VoiceAlan ScherstuhlVillage VoiceAlan ScherstuhlBerg might have proven that there's a circle of powerful creeps, but not that the blame for this goes straight to the top.
- 60New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierMost of the young men interviewed by Berg will be seen, and heard, by many audiences for the first time. Their voices are hard to forget.
- 50The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe open secret in Amy Berg’s documentary An Open Secret is that child actors are regularly molested by the adults — managers, publicists, producers — who help them launch their careers. Such an important subject deserves a serious, thoughtful film. Instead, it got Berg (Deliver Us From Evil, West of Memphis), who’s prone to all manner of cheesy manipulation.