Nefarious: Merchant of Souls

Nolot does a masterful job of depicting the cruelty and inhumanity of human trafficking in the documentary Nefarious. The viewer is given an education on the global sex trade from the perspectives of both men and women who have been involved in the industry. The trauma such cruelty and brutality is having on actual women and children's lives cannot be underestimated. It stirs questions concerning the audience's reaction to this barely told horror still happening to members of our own humanity. While the barbaric reality of the trading and systematic abuse of persons is brought into the light in this film, there is a tangible hope for the violence to end.

After graduating from a media and entertainment university, I have seen and critiqued many documentaries over the last few years, and I would say that without a doubt, Nefarious: Merchant of souls is by far the best I have seen to date. Not only will the gripping story keep you in your seat, but the quality of the documentary is one that surpasses many. The documentary does not just give you a glimpse of what sex trafficking looks like, but it takes you all over the world and shows interviews from experts, survivors, traffickers, and johns to give the viewer a more complete understanding of this issue, and how it effects us all. In addition, Nefarious has a powerful message that needs to be shared with people around the globe. The issue of sex trafficking has burdened my heart for many years, and Nefarious is one of the best awareness tools to expose this injustice.

This is by far the best documentary on human trafficking ever made. It goes in depth to look at all of the complex factors that enable this horrific crime against humanity to continue and offers solutions in order to empower the viewer to take action. Unlike other films on the topic, Nefarious makes the important connection between prostitution and human trafficking and has a global perspective. The film is packed with solid facts, statistics and expert interviews and it is a must see for anyone who is interested in tackling the issue of human trafficking. Director Benjamin Nolot created a film that ranks as one of the best documentaries ever made. The re-enactments are well done, the interviews are hard hitting and he was able to engage the hearts and emotions of the audience while at the same time engaging the mind. The film is inspirational, emotive, hard-hitting, informative and will leave you both speechless and empowered.

Initially, you may want to run out of the screening as you are introduced to the infamous "breaking grounds", where mafia and organized crime destroy young women. But, stay put because you will be glad you did. The makers of Nefarious carry your heart very responsibly throughout this entire documentary. My favorite moment-the beautiful Cambodian girl who now believes she is a princess and that God loves her. I also love that you hear stories of so many broken people and then get to see later on that they were radically saved and rescued out of the industry! But, just so you know, not all of them choose to go through that open door. Someone actually returns to prostitution.

Gripping, well-made, and yet hopeful. The creators take viewers to countries around the globe--some expected, and some surprising--and give a broad picture of human trafficking. They interview prostitutes, pimps, traffickers, and those seeking to help. This film is passionate and inspired me to view prostitution--both legal and illegal--through different eyes. Though this is their first film, it did not seem like it. It was very well made and gripping. It was the first film I have seen on the topic and I felt it did an excellent job at introducing the subject and challenging viewers. The section on prostitution in the US was eye-opening for me as well. I heartily recommend this film, although it does contain very hard-hitting content (I wouldn't recommend it for children or young teens). I understand they are making a follow-up, which I am eager to see!