Best Kept Secrets Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Movie Overview: Best Kept Secrets
| Movie | Best Kept Secrets |
| Release Year | 1984 |
| Director | Jerrold Freedman |
| Genre | Thriller / Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 95 minutes (1h 35m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Best Kept Secrets (1984) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Best Kept Secrets are led by Patty Duke . The supporting cast, including Frederic Forrest and Peter Coyote , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Best Kept Secrets stands out as a strong entry in the Thriller genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Thriller narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Best Kept Secrets has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Best Kept Secrets
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1984, Best Kept Secrets is a Thriller, Drama, TV Movie film directed by Jerrold Freedman, written by April Smith. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Patty Duke as Laura Dietz.
Ending Explained: Best Kept Secrets
Best Kept Secrets Ending Explained: Directed by Jerrold Freedman, Best Kept Secrets resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core thriller themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Patty Duke. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the thriller themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Best Kept Secrets reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Best Kept Secrets?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Patty Duke or the director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Best Kept Secrets Parents Guide & Age Rating
1984 AdvisoryWondering about Best Kept Secrets age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Best Kept Secrets (1984) is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Directed by Jerrold Freedman, the film runs for 95 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Best Kept Secrets is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1984 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Best Kept Secrets worth watching?
Best Kept Secrets is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Best Kept Secrets parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Best Kept Secrets identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Best Kept Secrets (1984)?
The runtime of Best Kept Secrets (1984) is 95 minutes (approximately 1h 35m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Patty Duke


