The Secret of the River (El Secreto del Río) is an eight-episode Mexican series on Netflix that addresses mystery, drama, and suspense. The series is set in a small Oaxacan community and begins with a terrible scene: two young boys witness a man’s tragic death by a river.
This tragedy becomes the series’ core mystery, as the guys try to determine whether it was an accident, murder, or self-defence. Let’s find out more about the series and whether it is worth watching or not!
The Muxe Community: A Hidden Gem
The narrative follows the complex relationship between Erik and Manuel, two boys forever linked by a tragic incident they witness. This shared secret forges a lifelong bond that will haunt them for the next two decades.
The plot of The Secret of the River switches between their boyhood in the village and their adult lives, showing the once-inseparable friends taking drastically divergent paths.
Erik remains traditional, but Manuel transforms to Sicarú, embracing her status as a muxe—a person born male but presenting as female, part of the Indigenous Zapotec culture’s “third gender.” This fundamental concept of identification provides a distinct element to the drama, taking it above the level of a typical mystery thriller.

The Secret of the River effectively portrays the muxe community, a concept that may be unfamiliar to some international viewers. Muxe has been a part of southern Mexican culture for centuries.
The series respectfully introduces viewers to this “third gender,” exploring how Sicarú’s identity is shaped by her community and the cultural acceptance (and resistance) she faces. This exploration of gender identity in this context offers a rich, thoughtful narrative, making Sicarú’s journey one of the show’s most compelling elements.
A Bond Forged in Secrets shown in The Secret of the River
The series The Secret of the River explores themes beyond identity, delving into the deep emotional bond between Erik and Sicarú. Their friendship is challenged by their shared secret and the vastly different paths their lives have taken.
This relationship, free of romantic entanglement, focuses on the emotional complexities of their evolving friendship. The series sensitively portrays Erik’s internal struggle as he grapples with Sicarú’s transformation and his own loyalty to their childhood bond. The tension between their past and present selves is palpable, creating moments of raw emotion.

However, the series does have pacing challenges that impact its overall impact. While the story begins with an intriguing mystery and much promise, the tension fades as the show progresses.
The central question—what happened at the river—becomes less of a driving force as the series focuses more on the characters’ emotional and personal journeys. The time jump to adulthood feels rushed and abrupt, leaving viewers wanting a deeper exploration of how the trauma of their shared secret has shaped their lives over the years.
How Is The Series Overall?
The Secret of the River falls short in terms of suspense. While the opening scene sets up a gripping premise, the series does not maintain the same level of tension throughout its eight episodes. The mystery surrounding the river death unfolds too slowly, and when the truth is finally revealed, it lacks the dramatic impact it should have.
The series focuses more heavily on the emotional and personal struggles of its characters, which, while engaging, leaves the mystery feeling like a secondary plotline rather than the driving force of the narrative.

Despite these shortcomings, The Secret of the River creates emotional depth, especially in its portrayal of friendship, guilt, and identity. The performances of the cast, particularly Mauro Guzmán as Erik and Frida Sofía Cruz as Sicarú, are strong, bringing vulnerability and nuance to their characters.
The series deserves praise for its sensitive handling of the muxe community, offering a glimpse into a unique cultural identity that is rarely depicted on screen.
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Conclusion
The Secret of the River offers the audience a unique story exploring themes of identity, friendship, and hidden trauma. While the series excels in its portrayal of the muxe community and the emotional bond between Erik and Sicarú, it struggles to maintain suspense throughout its eight episodes.
The pacing issues and underwhelming mystery resolution may leave viewers wanting more tension. However, the strong performances and unique cultural elements make it a thoughtful and poignant watch. For those interested in character-driven stories with cultural depth, this series offers a fresh perspective, though it may not fully satisfy thriller enthusiasts.