“Can You Keep a Secret?” is a delightful romantic comedy, directed by Elise Durán and based on the best-selling novel “Gente que viene y bah” by Spanish author Laura Norton. The film, which hit the screens in 2019, and the book, published in 2018, have both been widely appreciated for their humour, wit, and relatable characters. This article will delve into the heart of this charming story, examining its plot, characters, curiosities, and more.
Book Summary
“Gente que viene y bah” introduces us to the life of Emma Corrigan, a young woman with many secrets. When Emma’s life goes awry, she finds herself pouring out her deepest secrets to a stranger on a plane during a turbulent flight. Little does she know, the stranger is none other than Jack Harper, the CEO of her company. As Emma navigates through the chaos of her life, she learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Movie Summary
“Can You Keep a Secret?” faithfully follows the storyline of Norton’s novel. Emma Corrigan, portrayed by Alexandra Daddario, is an anxious marketing assistant with a secret-filled life. When she spills all her secrets to a stranger on a plane, only to find out he’s her boss Jack Harper (Tyler Hoechlin), her life takes an unexpected turn. The movie explores the comedic, romantic, and introspective journey of Emma, as she comes to terms with her secrets being out in the open.
When and Where Does the Story Take Place?
Both the book and the movie are set in a contemporary urban setting, revolving mostly around Emma’s workplace and her personal life. The story unfolds over a period of a few months, giving us a glimpse into Emma’s transformation as she deals with her secrets being known to Jack.
Film Locations
“Can You Keep a Secret?” was primarily filmed in New York City, USA. The bustling city adds to the charm and authenticity of the film. The office scenes were shot in a modern corporate building, while various cityscapes and local spots were used to depict Emma’s life outside of work.
Who’s Who in “Can You Keep a Secret?”
The key characters in “Gente que viene y bah” and its movie adaptation “Can You Keep a Secret?” are:
- Emma Corrigan: Played by Alexandra Daddario in the film, Emma is a young, quirky marketing assistant with a life full of secrets. Her journey forms the crux of the story.
- Jack Harper: Portrayed by Tyler Hoechlin, Jack is the CEO of the company where Emma works. He is the stranger on the plane who becomes privy to Emma’s secrets.
- Lissy: Emma’s best friend, Lissy, is a constant source of support and advice for Emma. She is played by Sunita Mani in the movie.
- Connor: Emma’s unfaithful boyfriend, Connor, is played by David Ebert in the film. His actions serve as a catalyst for Emma’s journey.
Memorable Quotes from “Can You Keep a Secret?”
The film is peppered with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story. Some of the standout lines include:
- “Sometimes, you have to let the people you care about go.”
- “The truth is liberating.”
- “You can’t control everything in life, but you can decide how you face it.”
Soundtrack by Arnau Bataller: Bio and Other Works
The soundtrack for “Can You Keep a Secret?” was composed by Arnau Bataller, a Spanish composer known for his work in film and television music. Born in 1977, Bataller has established himself as a prominent composer with his unique style and versatile talent. His other notable works include scores for “The Chosen,” “Life and Death of a Porno Gang,” and “The Nameless.”
Curiosities about “Can You Keep a Secret?”
- The book “Gente que viene y bah” was a bestseller in Spain, leading to its adaptation into a film.
- The film adaptation changed the setting from Spain to New York City to cater to an international audience.
- Alexandra Daddario, who plays Emma, is known for her role in the “Percy Jackson” series.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like Emma Corrigan and Jack Harper
For Emma’s look, opt for casual, trendy outfits with a touch of quirkiness. For Jack Harper, go for a sophisticated, business casual look with suits and formal shirts.
Biography of Laura Norton, the Author of “Gente que viene y bah”
Laura Norton, a renowned Spanish author, is known for her witty and engaging writing style. She has published numerous successful novels, with “Gente que viene y bah” being one of her most popular works.
Laura Norton’s 5 Best Works
Apart from “Gente que viene y bah”, Laura Norton is known for other acclaimed novels. Here are five of her best works:
- “Ante todo, mucho karma”
- “No culpes al karma de lo que te pasa por gilipollas”
- “El chico perfecto”
- ” ¿Hacemos algo el fin de semana?”
- “Un café no se le niega a nadie”
5 Other Media Adaptations by Elise Durán
Elise Durán, the director of “Can You Keep a Secret?”, is known for her work in films and television. Some of her other notable works include:
- “Geography Club”
- “The Magicians”
- “The Sinner”
- “The Society”
- “Jessica Jones”
10 Similar Movies to “Can You Keep a Secret?”
If you enjoyed “Can You Keep a Secret?”, here are 10 similar romantic comedies that you might enjoy:
- “Bridget Jones’s Diary”
- “The Proposal”
- “Crazy, Stupid, Love”
- “The Holiday”
- “Love Actually”
- “Sleepless in Seattle”
- “When Harry Met Sally”
- “You’ve Got Mail”
- “Notting Hill”
- “500 Days of Summer”
Book Club Questions for “Gente que viene y bah”
- How does the theme of secrets affect the characters and the plot?
- How does Emma’s character evolve throughout the story?
- How does the setting of the story influence the narrative?
- Discuss the role of humor in the story.
- How does the story explore the theme of self-discovery?
10 Similar Novels to “Gente que viene y bah”
If you enjoyed “Gente que viene y bah”, here are 10 similar novels that explore themes of love, secrets, and self-discovery:
- “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding
- “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
- “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion
- “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes
- “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan
- “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic” by Sophie Kinsella
- “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
- “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary
- “One Day” by David Nicholls
- “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
Parent Guide for “Can You Keep a Secret?”
“Can You Keep a Secret?” is rated PG-13. It contains some adult themes and mild language, making it suitable for teenagers and adults. Parents should consider their child’s maturity and sensitivity before deciding to watch the movie together.
Conclusion
“Can You Keep a Secret?” and “Gente que viene y bah” offer a delightful exploration of love, secrets, and self-discovery. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, humorous, and engaging story, these are the perfect choice. Whether you choose to read the book or watch the film, you’re sure to enjoy the journey of Emma Corrigan as she navigates her life full of secrets.
