The Seal (2019) User Reviews

A masterfully made film...it packs in a lot in a short duration.

[anuragchowdhury-07488 · 9/10 · 13 May 2019]

A very moving and delicate portrayal of a woman's struggle to come to terms with repressed childhood trauma and to finally taking the first step to getting past it.

I loved the little nuances in the movie that bring depth and meaning to the scenes. It is cleverly written, masterfully made and acted short film. As an audience you undergo the same deniability that the protagonist (Sheetal) goes through and feel the same relief when she frees herself from the shadow of her past. In a short period of time the director immerses you in the life of Sheetal. - her childhood, her fear, her loneliness and her breakthrough.

So captivating and well made

[mreynolds-30169 · 10/10 · 21 October 2019]

We saw this film at a Brooklyn film festival recently and loved it so much. This short film is so masterfully made and will be one of those films that really stays with you for a long time. I cannot recommend this enough!

A relevant film

[SushilDahiya1959 · 9/10 · 7 May 2020]

The Seal is a wonderfully put together resolution of a very important aspect of society. The subject has been deal with, with a crisp scrip, a no-nonsense screen play, some very good editing and an absolutely stunning, underplayed and "get under your skin", performance, by the lead actor. Kudos to the Director for putting the whole subject so well together, the recognition of the issue, it impact on the protagonist, the journey in time, and the absolutely acceptable resolution.....all in just a few minutes.

Well done👏🏼👏🏼

Moving and subtle, beautiful directing

[paulalandry · 10/10 · 19 May 2020]

Thank you for making this film.

There are so many wonderful things about it! I so enjoyed the story, it's moving and subtle, and you wind your way into the psychological state of the character with the lighting and variety of shots. There's a very mysterious air to it, and some desperation that feels very real. As the story reveals backstory, motivation and the connection between the two characters - you bring a humanity into the relationship which is surprising. Shot composition and lighting influence the mood, it's very interesting and gives a great visual variety and beauty. It's deep, disturbing, and impactful - trauma has consequences, and often require interventions - and sometimes strangers see us better than we see ourselves. Very moving. Touching performances - it's an important work, and a story well told.

A soulful gem

[mroche-44139 · 9/10 · 8 May 2020]

This small film provides an intimate look at how a soul copes over time when her innocence and trust are slaughtered. Using both raw and poetic images a finely crafted character and story unfolds and draws the viewer into its scrambled self. Precisely, sensitively and without gratuitousness, the focus of this story is placed squarely where it belongs, on Pinki and Sheetal and renascence.

A Remarkable Film

[kevinryanwriter · 10/10 · 21 January 2024]

This film is wonderfully made in terms of direction, cinematography, and performance, and I was very impressed when I saw it at a special screening. However, for me, where THE SEAL really shines is in the fact that it actually has something new to say about abuse and trauma, and does it without relying on current narratives or tropes, which seem to have become substitutes for storytelling and inquiry. Instead, THE SEAL provides a genuine artistic exploration of its subject with nuance and an interesting perspective. I will be watching the filmmakers future work with great interest and hope we see more very soon.