The Veiled

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.