A compassionate nurse develops an unexpected bond with a man recovering from a devastating oil rig accident. As she tends to his injuries, she finds comfort and strength in his stories and perspective. Through shared moments of quiet reflection, a powerful connection forms between them, offering solace and a renewed sense of hope amidst challenging circumstances.
Does The Secret Life of Words have end credit scenes?
No!
The Secret Life of Words does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of The Secret Life of Words, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
No actors found
Discover where to watch The Secret Life of Words online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how The Secret Life of Words is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Secret Life of Words stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
68
Metascore
7.8
User Score
%
TOMATOMETER
0%
User Score
7.4 /10
IMDb Rating
70
%
User Score
Challenge your knowledge of The Secret Life of Words with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What is the name of the main character in 'The Secret Life of Words'?
Hanna
Inge
Josef
Sarah
Show hint
Read the complete plot summary of The Secret Life of Words, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
The film explores the delicate psyche of a torture survivor named Hanna, portrayed by Sarah Polley, who is deeply impacted by her harrowing experiences during the Croatian war. Trained as a burn unit nurse, she has undertaken survival counseling in Copenhagen, where her traumatic story was documented by Inge, played by Julie Christie. Struggling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, Hanna displays compulsive behaviors, such as meticulously stacking bars of soap, indicative of her troubled mind. Her hearing impairment—being nearly deaf without a hearing aid—adds another layer to her solitude.
Despite her challenges, Hanna remains a dedicated worker, never taking sick leave or vacations. However, her union steps in, urging her to take some time off. Hanna finds herself in a serene seacoast village, where she unexpectedly overhears an oil company manager discussing the need for a live-in nurse for an injured worker recovering from a fire on an oil platform in the North Sea. Driven by a sense of purpose, she volunteers for the assignment.
Once on the job, she tends to Josef, played by Tim Robbins, who is grappling with temporary blindness and severe burns sustained from battling a rig fire. In a particularly touching scene, as he gently touches the scars on her chest, he gently coaxes Hanna to share her traumatic past, unveiling a poignant moment of connection and vulnerability.
After Josef is transferred to a hospital for further care, Hanna returns to the factory, where the repercussions of her shared experiences linger in the air. As Josef speaks with Inge, he begins to grasp the profound emotional scars left by such brutality, as well as the guilt that often haunts survivors like Hanna.
This poignant narrative unfolds as a beautiful love story that captures the journey of two wounded souls seeking solace and understanding in one another, ultimately leading to unforgettable character development and an uplifting resolution.
Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!
Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Secret Life of Words. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.
Explore all cars featured in The Secret Life of Words, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.
Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Secret Life of Words across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.
Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.
Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for The Secret Life of Words. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.