Booked

I LOVED it. I didn't know what to expect and I am so happy I went into it without any expectations. It was so good, with wonderful actors and at the end when I realized what I just watched, I had to pause for a bit. The topic is something that needs to be discussed more because I feel like that was the first time it hit me. What a great film.

Make no mistake, this short is a heavy watch. It shows sex trafficking through the eyes of a new victim, Portia, who must learn to survive in a dark world where you are only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for you. The helplessness of the situation really comes through hard as the white mask removes traces of humanity . Will Portia ever escape this ordeal?

BOOKED explores the realities of exploitation. Brutal and complicated. The horror of the story is contrasted with vivid cinematography.

The strength of the film resides in Shawntay Dalon's screenplay that explores an interconnected web of exploitation targeting vulnerable women in America, particularly Black women. The recurring use of a white mask worn by both white and black characters is a constant reminder of the systemic causality linked to that exploitation and no one is untouched by its Horror.

The words of Sojourner Truth bookend the film with powerful resonance and the end credits outtake draws a chilling line connecting the extremity of the subject with a common interaction.

Strong performances on average with a visually expressive climax that shouldn't be missed.

Shawntay did an amazing job bringing to life each role of each actor. I was on the edge of the couch with so many emotions. I loved the strength portrayed. It's a must see and a main reason for me is because many times you don't know these things happen. Shawntay brought awareness to issues that could likely bound you if you are not careful.

Great piece of storytelling art. A conversation that can be hard to have, mixed in with a problem that is overlooked in many countries, This film gives you all of that.