I've only seen a handful of films(most notably Sin nombre), TV miniseries about human trafficking and therefore was very interested in seeing this TV film to see how this production would tackle this very difficult subject.
Unfortunately the film lacks in depth, and length and rendering the film into a flawed but entertaining journey about human trafficking. The idea that perhaps came from screenwriter Stephen Butchard to use 3 different children from various continents, forced into slave labor is an intelligent one.
Now the viewer gets served with different perspectives, and also due race, gender, background, a much wider look on the problem of human trafficking.
Mixed with personal life and career of DI Anthony Carter(Damian Lewis)who is main character in this TV film, the viewers get know the frustration, anger and troubles that police is facing while trying to deal with the problem.
But 90 minutes is too short, which makes this film feel rushed, flawed and also, some scenes feel unrealistic, contrived and forced because of the very short timelimit that the makers of this film is under.
Technically this film delivers, having very high production values, good use of split screen and editing. With an cinematography adapted for big screen productions rather then the usual TV photography.
But all of that is just style over substance, and makes th film somewhat shallow. A real shame because there are some pretty solid performances by Damian Lewis, Nonso Anozie, and the three children.
Why the makers didn't make this into miniseries divided into 2 or 4 parts is a mystery to me.
Despite its flaws I suggest that anyone interested in seeing this film should also watch Sin nombre (2009), Casa de los babys (2003), miniseries for TV like Sex Traffic (2004).
They better productions and have better scripts then this one.
