'Secret in Their Eyes' cast talks about thriller, characters

WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- "Secret in Their Eyes" is based on an Oscar-winning Argentinian film and stars some heavy hitters, including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Julia Roberts.

In the film, Roberts plays an investigator whose teenage daughter is found brutally murdered.

Thirteen years later, one of the other investigators on the case uncovers a new lead he's certain can catch the killer. But no one expects the shocking secret that's also part of the plot.

Roberts said it was her character's arc that made her want to take part in the movie.

"This was the biggest distance to travel in two hours for a character," she said. "I mean, that's really the trick, is how much can you do in two hours."

Director Billy Ray called Roberts a "revelation" in the film.

"It's unlike anything she's ever done before, and she threw herself into it completely," he said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime cast who completely delivered in this very intense thriller about the cost of obsession."

"Secret in Their Eyes" was shot in 32 days.

"It was quite intense and we were very deep down the rabbit hole and, you know, an exciting cast - a thrilling cast to work with. So I relished every day," Ejiofor said.

"I think you'll experience some very real pain and some very real obsession and suspense," said actress Zoe Graham, who also stars in the film.

Actor Dean Norris described the film as an "edge-of-your-seat thriller."

"I think you'll be clenching," Norris said. "It's not a weepy movie, but there are some weepy parts in it."

"Secret in Their Eyes" is set to debut Nov. 20.