Rarely do we see a show like The Secret in Malaysia's entertainment landscape-bold, unafraid to speak its mind, and unapologetically different. This brilliant series boasts an excellent concept that not only aims to make a societal impact but also sets a new benchmark for our entertainment industry, and it does so wonderfully. While it might remind you of shows like 13 Reasons Why or Pretty Little Liars, The Secret stands on its own, with its unique identity and DNA. And yes, it's that good.
The Secret is an important show with significant substance, weaving in multiple themes and messages that resonate deeply with the audience. It tackles issues like sexual harassment, depression, mental health, corruption, the flaws in our education system, the gaps and loopholes in our legal systems, power dynamics, the role of mass and new media, and the influence of social media on today's society, peer pressure to name just a few. Despite the abundance of themes, the show never feels overcrowded or forced. Instead, everything flows naturally, allowing the story to shine without feeling heavy or preachy.
Kudos to the scriptwriters for giving the main character, Jo, played by Siti Saleha, such a well-rounded and complete arc. Jo's development throughout the series is beautifully done, and Siti Saleha delivers a standout performance, portraying Jo's strength and vulnerability in equal measure. From her demeanor to her emotional depth, Jo embodies true female empowerment, and Siti Saleha nails every aspect of the character. Jo is the definition of women empowerment in the right way.
Alongside Siti Saleha, Remy Ishak, Nadiya Nisaa, and Fatimah Abu Bakar anchor the series with equally powerful performances. This quartet brings out the best in their characters, delivering natural yet deeply dedicated portrayals. A special shoutout goes to Nadiya Nisaa, who truly shines here. Her subtle creativity in every expression and gesture sets her apart, making her the standout performer. The other actors all did well, but admittedly, each had their cringe-worthy moments on screen. And it's our role to spot what to improve so to Sara Mack Lubis, we want to say that your acting is good. However, we'd like to give you an advice; that is 'try not to push the emotions you want/have to project but instead, learn how to feel those emotions from the inside and let it naturally out'. We could see a big potential in you so we're hoping to see you improve your acting on the next project! We see great potential in you, and we're excited to see how you grow in your next project! ✨
That said, not every character hits the mark. Yusof, played by Nain, feels somewhat underdeveloped, existing more as a sidekick to Nini without his own story or impact on the plot. There's even a hint of hidden depth in later episodes that never fully materializes, leaving his character feeling incomplete. It feels like it sweeps the idea under the rug. Yusof does his best with the material, but the script misses an opportunity to give him more substance.
The Gen Z characters, too, get sidelined as the series progresses. It's good that they are focusing on characters that are more important and prominent for the story but it feels like all the build up that they have established from previous episodes felt like a waste or in fact, a gimmick to prolong the story. It's as if they are using these Gen-Z characters to diverge from the main storyline. The script could have been more polished by creating a sub-plot or thinking a way on how these characters can help contribute to the main storyline; how each of them play a role in the bigger story, how they could help or exacerbate the situation but instead, a lot of them got sidetracked and in return, it felt unnatural and gimmicky.
The Secret delivers an almost-perfect conclusion. While many local shows struggle to wrap up cleanly, this series nails the formula. It leaves you with a huge satisfaction once the credits roll. It leaves you wanting more but in a good way. Projek High Council, Nafsu, i-Tanggang, Takdir Yang Tertulis are all excellent local shows but they all stumble and couldn't find the formula. The Secret breaks the curse and finds its way to provide audience with a good ending. Just like From Saga With Love. The final episode alone feels like a Hollywood or K-Drama level quality. It is that good!
Verdict: The Secret is a breath of fresh air in Malaysia's entertainment landscape, bringing bold storytelling and important themes like mental health, corruption, and social media's influence. Siti Saleha delivers a powerhouse performance as Jo, with Nadiya Nisaa shining as the standout, adding layers of subtlety and creativity. The show has a unique identity, setting a new standard for local productions. While a few characters felt underdeveloped, particularly in the Gen Z plotlines, the series manages to keep things engaging with a gripping, almost Hollywood-or-K-Drama-level finale that wraps up in the most satisfying way. The Secret leaves you wanting more, but in the best way possible. This is the show Malaysia has been waiting for, and it's that good! WELL DONE!
