Can You Keep a Secret? (2019)

Release Date: 13 September 2019
Director: Elise Duran
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Tyler Hoechlin

So, I’ve finally managed to sit down for more than five minutes and write another movie review! At first, I thought about tackling something like The Devil All the Time, but I didn’t want to risk spoiling it for anyone (next week, maybe—consider this your warning). Instead, I decided to dive headfirst into the world of cheesy rom-coms and watch Can You Keep a Secret? And let me tell you, I’ve never felt more called out by a main character in my life. Between the awkward moments and the high levels of cheese, my cholesterol levels may never recover.

The Setup: Secrets, Flights, and All the Cringe

This movie is based on Sophie Kinsella’s novel of the same name, with the screenplay adapted by Peter Hutchings. Directed by Elise Duran, it stars Alexandra Daddario as Emma Corrigan, our delightfully awkward protagonist, alongside Tyler Hoechlin as Jack Harper, the mysterious, handsome CEO. Supporting the leads are Laverne Cox, Sunita Mani, and Kimiko Glenn, who round out the cast with their quirky, hilarious performances.

The plot kicks off with Emma, a marketing employee who’s completely out of her depth during a pitch meeting. She doesn’t just bomb the meeting—she annihilates it in the most cringe-worthy way possible, complete with a shaken energy drink that explodes at the worst moment. It’s the kind of chaos that makes you want to look away, but you can’t because it’s just so relatable.

Things take an even crazier turn on her flight home. Thanks to a bit too much champagne and some major turbulence, Emma becomes convinced she’s going to die. Naturally, she spills all her deepest, darkest secrets to the guy sitting next to her. And not just any secrets—the kind that make you want to bury your head in a pillow forever. From hating jazz (despite pretending to like it) to crying over Imagine Dragons' Demons, Emma leaves nothing off the table. She even shares awkward details about her relationship and sex life.

Unbeknownst to Emma, her airplane confidant isn’t some random dude. Nope, he’s Jack Harper, the mysterious new CEO of her company. Cue the hilarity when they bump into each other at work, and Jack starts having way too much fun teasing her about all the secrets she spilled.

The Charm: Alexandra Daddario’s Awkward Perfection

Alexandra Daddario is absolutely in her element here, bringing Emma to life with just the right mix of charm, humor, and relatability. Whether she’s navigating cringe-worthy office moments or trying to act like she totally didn’t just tell her boss she lied on her resume, Daddario is a delight to watch.

Fun fact: Daddario also executive-produced this movie, and you can tell she put her heart into it. Emma is the kind of character you root for, even when she’s making a total fool of herself. Her comedic timing is spot-on, and she adds a layer of vulnerability that keeps the character grounded.

Kimiko Glenn also deserves a shout-out for her role as Emma’s blunt, hilariously inappropriate best friend. Her comedic timing is pure gold, and she’s the friend we all secretly wish we had—someone who tells it like it is, no matter how uncomfortable the truth may be.

The Romance: Predictable but Still Sweet

Let’s not kid ourselves—this is a rom-com, so you know exactly where it’s going from the moment Emma and Jack meet. But that doesn’t make the journey any less enjoyable. Tyler Hoechlin’s Jack is the picture-perfect love interest: dreamy, mysterious, and just vulnerable enough to keep things interesting.

Their chemistry is undeniable, but Jack’s character is a little too idealized. He’s the quintessential rom-com CEO: successful, charming, and a little emotionally distant. It works for the story, but you can’t help but wish he had a few more layers.

The relationship is cute and fluffy, with plenty of awkward moments and sweet exchanges to keep you hooked. But as the movie progresses, it starts to lose some of its early charm. The pacing feels a bit off, and the jokes don’t land as well in the second half.

The Conflict: Secrets, Betrayal, and a Predictable Ending

Like any good rom-com, there’s a moment of conflict that threatens to tear the couple apart. For Emma and Jack, it comes when Jack, during a live national interview, accidentally reveals some of Emma’s secrets. Sure, he meant well, but it’s a massive betrayal for Emma, who feels like her trust has been completely shattered.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a rom-com if things didn’t work out in the end. Jack realizes his mistake, opens up to Emma about his own vulnerabilities, and wins her back with a grand gesture. It’s predictable but heartwarming—a classic happy ending.

The Lessons: Be Yourself

At its core, Can You Keep a Secret? is all about embracing your true self and letting others see your flaws. It’s a simple but valuable message, wrapped up in a cheesy, feel-good package. While the movie doesn’t dive too deep into its themes, it’s enough to leave you with a smile on your face.

The Verdict: Fluffy, Fun, and Forgettable

Can You Keep a Secret? isn’t a groundbreaking rom-com, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a light, funny, heartwarming movie that’s perfect for a low-key movie night with wine and snacks. Alexandra Daddario shines as Emma, and the supporting cast adds plenty of laughs along the way.

That said, the movie does have its flaws. The second half drags, some of the jokes don’t land, and there are a few glaring plot holes that likely make more sense in the book. It’s also worth noting that Connor’s (Emma’s boyfriend) bare backside makes way too many appearances—an awkward and unnecessary addition to an otherwise enjoyable movie.

If you’re a fan of rom-coms or just in the mood for something easy and entertaining, Can You Keep a Secret? is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to be more than what it is: a cheesy, predictable, but charming film.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5 out of 10).