Apart from walking through a heartwarming drama, Netflix’sThe Secret of the Riverfeatures several memorable performances from its talented cast members. Set in Mexico,The Secret of the Riveris a relatively obscure 8-part series on Netflix that has garnered optimistic reviews from both viewers and critics. It has not only been praised for its grounded and emotional storytelling but also for its portrayal of a marginalized community.
In its 8-episode runtime,The Secret of the Riverpresents a narrative that dabbles with themes surrounding self-acceptance, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. While the character beats in the show are well-written, the noteworthy performances of almost all cast members in the series make the characters relatable and realistic. Given how the characters in theNetflix LGBTQ+ showplay a crucial role in selling its moving drama to audiences, many viewers may be curious about who plays whom in the film after watching it on Netflix.
Frida Sofía Cruz as Young Sicarú
Date Of Birth: Unknown
Actor:Trinidad González started her modeling journey in 2019 after moving to Mexico and signing up with the Supa modeling agency. González, who is transgender, later moved to London to find bigger opportunities in her career while continuing her journey into transitioning. González’s ever-growing love for fashion paved the way for her to become a model. However, after modeling for several years,she dipped her feet into acting by making her television debut withThe Secret of the River.
As she revealed in an interview (viaThem), her role inThe Secret of the Riverappealed to her because she has had “a very similar story.” She recalled being “very shy” when she was younger and loved how Sicarú embraced her identity. Although González has only started her acting journey, she revealed (viaGlamour) that she would love to portray more “worthy characters” that make her proud.
The Secret Of The River
Sicarú
Character:InThe Secret Of The River, Trinidad González plays the older version of Sicarú. Almost two decades after not seeing her childhood friend, Erik, Sicarú meets him again, forcing her to confront a traumatic incident the two experienced together. Their fateful encounter not only makes them recall a tragic incident they witnessed together but also makes them reconsider how they perceive their relationship.
Diego Calva as Erik
Date Of Birth: July 14, 2025
Actor:Born in Mexico City, Diego Calva studied directing and screenwriting at the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica. After graduating, he helmed a few short films before deciding to pursue a career as an actor.His first leading role was in Julio Hernández Cordón’sindie filmI Promise You Anarchy, which helped Calva win the Best Actor award at the 2015 Havana Film Festival. In the years that followed, Diego Calva went on to star in many renowned shows andmovies likeBabylon,Narcos: Mexico, andBird Box: Barcelona.
Narcos: Mexico
Arturo Bertrán Leyva
Character:Diego Calva’s Erik is bonded to Trinidad González’s Sicarú by their shared trauma inThe Secret of the River. Owing to this, he experiences an overwhelming range of emotions when he finally reunites with her after decades. Through its poignant drama,The Secret of the Rivershows how Erik and Sicarú grapple with what they witnessed as children while understanding their feelings for one another.
The Secret Of The River Supporting Cast & Characters
Jorge A. Jimenez as Jacinto:Erik’s father inThe Secret of the Riveris portrayed by Jorge A. Jimenez ofThe Black Demonfame.
Mercedes Hernández as Rafaela:Best known for her roles inNew OrderandIdentifying Features, Mercedes Hernández plays Sicarú’s grandmother, Rafaela, in the Netflix series.
Iazua Larios as Luisa:Recognizable for playing Sky Flower inApocalypto, Magdalena inEspinal, and Quetzali inSitiados: México, Iazua Larios portrays Luisa inThe Secret of the River.
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Mauro Guzmán as Young Erik:The younger version of Erik is portrayed by Mauro Guzmán, who previously starred in the shortPlastic Attack.
Frida Sofía Cruz as Young Sicarú:Frida Sofía Cruz, of theWhere the Tracks EndandOlutefame, plays the younger Sicarú inThe Secret of the River.
The Secret of the River
A young boy forms a strong bond with a local kid in a small Mexican village, but a dark secret cements their friendship forever.
