The Secret of the River or El Secreto del Río is a Spanish-language series that tells the emotional story of two childhood friends who share a dark secret from their past. Erik and Manuel were close friends because they were bullied in school, and they always supported each other. One day, while defending themselves, they accidentally caused their bully’s death. They made a promise to never tell anyone about this incident, thinking they could bury it forever. But life has other plans. After twenty years, they meet again in the same town, and though many things have changed, the shadows of their past still follow them. Manuel now goes by the name Sicarú, and Erik feels that someone might be looking into the secret they once thought was buried.
This Netflix series is created by Alberto Barrera and explores themes like friendship, identity, loyalty, and redemption. Even though the story is fictional, it feels very real and touches the hearts of viewers because it shows how two boys carry a heavy burden throughout their lives. The story also makes people think of real-life cases where school children, after suffering from bullying, take drastic steps to protect themselves.
The main actors in this series include Diego Calva, Trinidad González, Mauro Guzmán, Frida Sofía Cruz Salinas, Yoshira Escárrega, and Lisa Rivas. The performances of these talented actors make the story even more impactful.
Where was The Secret of the River filmed?
The beautiful and culturally rich region of Oaxaca in Mexico was chosen as the main filming location for The Secret of the River. Oaxaca is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique traditions. The town featured in the series is located in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a region in southern Mexico. The scenic beauty of Oaxaca, with its rivers, mountains, and rural areas, added a lot of depth to the storytelling. The peaceful but somewhat mysterious surroundings were perfect for the story, which involves deep secrets hidden beneath calm appearances.

Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca was chosen not only for its natural beauty but also because of its cultural significance. The creators of the show wanted a location that could represent the emotional and cultural depth of the characters. Oaxaca is known for its mix of indigenous cultures, colorful festivals, and beautiful landscapes, which made it an ideal backdrop for a story filled with intense emotions and complex relationships. The contrast between the peaceful, beautiful surroundings and the dark secrets of the characters helped create a strong visual impact.

Filming in Rural and Urban Areas
Most of the filming for The Secret of the River took place in rural areas, capturing the beauty of nature and the calmness of small towns. The quietness of these places reflected the hidden secrets of the characters and gave the show a unique, emotional tone. Some scenes were also filmed in urban areas, adding to the feeling of change and modernity that contrasts with the characters’ troubled pasts.

Filming in Oaxaca also came with its own set of challenges. The remote locations made it difficult to transport equipment and set up the filming scenes. The weather also posed some difficulties, as sudden rain or intense heat sometimes delayed filming. However, the beauty of Oaxaca was worth the effort, as it gave the series its stunning visual appeal.

Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – The Secret of the River
Q: Where was The Secret of the River filmed?
The Secret of the River was primarily filmed in Oaxaca, Mexico, specifically in the region of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The scenic landscapes of rural and urban areas in Oaxaca provided the perfect backdrop for the emotional drama.
2. When was The Secret of the River filmed?
The filming of The Secret of the River took place in early 2023. The production team chose various locations in Oaxaca to capture the essence of the story’s setting.
3. What is the release date of The Secret of the River?
The Secret of the River was released on Netflix in October 9, 2024.
Q: Who is in the cast of The Secret of the River?
A: The main cast of The Secret of the River includes Diego Calva as Erik, Trinidad González as Manuel (Sicarú), Mauro Guzmán, Frida Sofía Cruz Salinas, Yoshira Escárrega, and Lisa Rivas.
Q: Is The Secret of the River based on a true story?
A: No, The Secret of the River is a fictional story created by Alberto Barrera. However, the series deals with themes like friendship, loyalty, and the burden of keeping dark secrets, which may resonate with real-life emotions and situations.