The Veiled (2016) User Reviews

Exceptional, must watch film

[Caroline_mcquade · 9/10 · 25 May 2017]

A very powerful story, beautifully told. The ending is brilliant. No saccharine 'thanks for rescuing me' cliché; it's real and confronting and utterly impactful. The kind of film that stays with you for a long time.

Definite must watch.

Haunting and unforgettable

[deepthirteen · 10/10 · 2 June 2017]

The Veiled wasted no time getting under my skin. It's a small miracle of a film that seduces with it's captivating imagery while pulling the viewer down a dark rabbit hole that feels like a nightmare made terrifyingly real. A nightmare so many are living every day.

With a lean, elegant visual style, exquisitely composed shots and taut storytelling, we are given an unflinching look at a secret world hidden in plain sight. The rapidly escalating tension kept me squarely on the edge of my seat. The Veiled has been in my head ever since seeing it, evoking memories of haunted faces that have passed fleetingly through my life and left me wondering, what did I see, but not see? A truly remarkable piece of filmmaking.

Remarkable, must watch film

[monicakoehn · 10/10 · 25 February 2017]

The Veiled is a must watch film that brings attention to a difficult subject that many people do not realize is occurring, or may find difficult to discuss. The film is brilliantly written, acted, and directed. When a film can elicit the range of emotions of the characters, it is a sign of a remarkable film.

As the film says "we can not unsee what we have seen". It is a thought provoking film that leads you to question the concealed and unspoken about aspects of our society.

Thank you!

[erinal · 10/10 · 9 March 2017]

This film is a must watch! You are confronted about the reality of human trafficking, and stirred to do something about this injustice. You can't help but want to take action in the fight for freedom! Thank you for shedding light around the millions who are enslaved, and reminding us that we can use what is in our hand to make a difference!

You and your team are incredible!

Gritty but tasteful film, bringing social awareness to a difficult subject

[marietatecasting · 10/10 · 8 February 2017]

The Veiled is a wonderful film that shows us a glimpse of a difficult and sensitive subject matter in a gritty, but tasteful way. It is a film that can and should be seen by adults, as well as youth, as an indication as to what is out there. It opens one's eyes as to something that is hidden from mainstream society, but is happening to young girls in cities all around the world.

The film not only makes us aware of this issue, but offers further information on the subject, as well as information on what we can do to help.

The main character, Cassandra, has great depth, showing her passion, fears, courage and strength throughout the film. We also see the effects of her past on the present situation. She is your everyday girl, who could be anyone of us, which helps us really follow her into this ordeal. The film peaks into the everyday lives and turmoil of the other characters, as well, drawing us in to feel compassion for them and hope for their deliverance.

We feel a great win at the end, but with a note of defeat as a twist. We feel the suffering that was endured and know that it's not over yet for many, including Cassandra.

Dark Exposures

[dominiclennard · 10/10 · 24 May 2017]

Haunting, eerie, yet thoughtful and composed with consummate care, THE VEILED follows Cassandra, an Australian fashion photographer used to shooting models by the breezy, open seaside as she ventures into the world of women shut away from the daylight. Visiting family overseas is also a chance to search for clues to the disappearance of her sister years ago, and investigate the dark underworld of local sex- trafficking.

Having made a financial success of herself, transforming a mere hobby into paid work, Cassandra now seeks to put her snapshot skills to more urgent purpose, using her camera to turn her lens back onto predatory men, as well as to snatch important images of their victims. Photographs are of great symbolic importance in the film as (among other things) a currency of proof: verbal tales seem to count for little, and the women Cassandra is trying to help cannot speak English.

Although short, the film is populated by authentic and often sinister performances, and shots are composed with high attention to detail and atmosphere, yet never cluttered or overdone. Overall, THE VEILED is a striking and powerful film about guilt, memory, and responsibility-- all structured around a terrible and urgent social problem. Take any opportunity to see it.

Excellent

[samhaft · 10/10 · 1 March 2017]

A brilliant insight into a very difficult subject matter. This is a film that needed to be made and has been done so with beautiful judgement, fine performances and skillful story-telling. The overall tone of the film is both deeply involving and harrowing, and reminds us of why we watch films. Sometimes, yes, it's for escapism, but other times, it's because certain stories need to be heard.

A suspenseful, haunting snapshot in this short and perfectly formed film, delving into the misery surrounding sex trafficking

[laraburquest · 10/10 · 18 April 2017]

I watched this movie in a packed cinema and the credits rolled to great applause, and rightly so. This film achieved that brilliant and elusive thing - the magic that doesn't always happen when watching a short: that you are fully immersed within a few moments of looking at the screen, believing in the characters instantly, and willingly finding yourself on the emotional journey alongside the main characters. It is BEAUTIFULLY shot; it shows us the story at every raw and real turn, rather than just tells us. It's suspenseful, and a little haunting.....the subject material is important and difficult, but it's sensitively handled. Events are resolved to an extent but you are left wanting more, and wondering. This could easily be a film for TV or a launching off point for something more from these film-makers. I love the obvious dedication with which this was made by all the storytellers involved. We truly loved watching this.....it's important that passionate people keep making unique gems like this film. And aside from all of that, the performances were excellent - so much talent in one package..

Stunning

[vskyemitchell · 10/10 · 12 February 2017]

It takes immense bravery to tackle a subject such as this, and do it in a way that it doesn't come across as voyeuristic or overdone.

The Veiled is confronting, powerful, moving, and most importantly, necessary.

The characters are real, and very well acted, the story believable, and it is beautifully written and shot.

If only all movies like this were tackled with such aplomb.

Sex slavery is such an important subject, and I'd love to see a movie-length version shot and acted by the same team.

A must watch.

Revealing look at the global sex slave trade

[muirjennifer · 7/10 · 1 February 2017]

Veiled follows one woman's investigation of a dark and hidden global industry, sex slavery between the developing and developed world.

It bravely looks at the dangers faced by volunteers who investigate the underground trade and raid buildings to free women who are held captive.

Veiled fill the screen with talent, and it is evident that a creative passionate team has dedicated their storytelling skills to this project.

As a social issues project it is a perfect advocacy tool, but it is more than that for general audiences. The characters are fully formed, the story is compelling, and the writing, direction and production is spot on. It wouldn't be out of place as a commercial TV special drama.