Nefarious: Merchant of Souls

WOW! I was blown away by Nefarious: Merchant of Souls! As someone who has a heart for human trafficking, I've watched a lot of documentaries, news reports and mini-series on the issue. But Nefarious was unlike anything out there! It's informative, powerful and hopeful. The information in the film was eye-opening and the conclusions the filmmaker came to really caused me to re-evaluate what I thought I knew about trafficking. I left feeling not only emotionally stirred, but commissioned to take action- that there is something I can do to fight against this issue of modern-day slavery. Also, a big bonus, Nefarious has incredible cinematography- what a quality film!! Everyone should see this movie.

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.

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!

I don't even feel like I can do this film justice by writing a review, but I'll give it my best shot. There is something truly special about being able to have my heart broken and deeply blessed at the same time, and this film perfectly captures that dichotomy. I walked away with a true sense of the pain, the evil, and the magnificence of the problem; I also felt full of hope and like I can make a difference. The film is beautifully made, and is hands down the best film on this topic that I have ever seen. I learned so much and walked away with a clearer understanding of what is behind this evil industry. I am looking forward to watching it again; I encourage anyone who has the chance to see it. It will change your life!

For most people, allowing others to represent themselves in a business interview would be absurd. For most people, picking a lawyer to defend or prosecute on one's behalf, accurately, is a task that's nearly futile. For most people, we don't appreciate it when others relay personal events in our lives to mutual friends out of a concern that the situation won't be portrayed in a manor that depicts the whole truth. For most people, we become irritable when someone interjects and answers a question on our behalf, when the question was intended for you to answer. For most of us, we vote on a presidential candidate who most genuinely represents our beliefs & values. It can be unnerving to allow others to speak on your behalf.

As a survivor of human trafficking, I have found it nearly impossible to justly articulate or portray a picture, in it's entirety, of the horrors that I and thousands of others have endured. There is a groan from within for humanity to understand, to empathize, and to defend those rendered powerless. However sadly, most cannot wrap their minds around the nature of this trauma. Most are simply informed, but are never presented hope to believe there can be authentic renewal for victims. But Nefarious: Merchant of Souls does just that. This documentary understands, empathizes, and defends. Nefarious brings hope. Nefarious presents the necessary validation that is crucial for survivors to rebuild trust in a society that so seemingly accepts such atrocities by it's passivity. Nefarious: Merchant of Souls boldly advocates on the behalf of myself, and others in an honorable way, and is worthy to speak on behalf of survivors.