Watch Burning Secret

Burning Secret is a 1988 drama film starring David Eberts, Faye Dunaway, and Klaus Maria Brandauer. Set in Austria in the early 20th century, the plot follows a young boy named Edgar, who is on vacation with his mother at a luxurious hotel in the Alps. The seemingly idyllic setting is shattered when an older man named Baron Alexander von Merkts (Brandauer) takes a keen interest in Edgar and begins to manipulate him in order to win over his mother, played by Dunaway.

The film begins with the arrival of Edgar and his mother at the hotel, where they are greeted by the friendly staff and shown to their suite. Edgar is thrilled to be on vacation, but soon becomes bored as his mother is preoccupied with her own interests and has little time for him. It is at this point that Baron von Merkts enters the picture and begins to take an interest in the young boy. He engages Edgar in conversation and takes him under his wing, introducing him to a world of opulence and privilege.

At first, Edgar is delighted by the attention lavished on him by the urbane and sophisticated baron. He relishes the chance to explore the hotel and engage in adult activities, such as smoking cigars and playing cards. However, as the vacation wears on, the baron's true intentions begin to emerge. He uses his charm and wealth to insinuate himself into Edgar's life, convincing the boy to keep secrets from his mother and even insisting on accompanying him on a trip to a nearby castle.

Throughout the film, there is an undercurrent of tension and mistrust as the audience wonders what the baron's true motives are. Is he simply trying to make Edgar's vacation more exciting or is he trying to manipulate the boy for more nefarious purposes? As the film progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the baron has designs on Edgar's mother and is using the boy as a pawn to get closer to her.

The performances in Burning Secret are all top-notch, with Brandauer delivering a particularly nuanced and complex portrayal of the baron. At times suave and charming, at others sinister and manipulative, his character is a study in contradictions. Eberts, in the role of Edgar, is also excellent, capturing the innocence and naivety of a young boy who is both dazzled and disturbed by the attention of an older man.

Dunaway, meanwhile, brings a steely determination to the role of Edgar's mother. Although she is initially charmed by the baron, she quickly realizes that there is something not quite right about the man and becomes fiercely protective of her son. The scenes between Dunaway and Brandauer crackle with tension as their characters engage in a battle of wits, with each trying to outmaneuver the other.

The cinematography in Burning Secret is also superb. The film is shot entirely on location in Austria, and the stunning Alpine landscapes provide a fitting backdrop for the story. There are some truly breathtaking shots of the mountains and the hotel, which give the audience a sense of the opulence and luxury of the setting.

Overall, Burning Secret is a gripping and psychologically complex film that explores themes of power, manipulation, and betrayal. It is a testament to the skill of director Andrew Birkin and his talented cast that they are able to create such a rich and compelling story from a fairly simple premise. If you're looking for a tense and thought-provoking drama, Burning Secret is definitely worth seeking out.

Burning Secret is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.