Don't Tell: Sara West gives an Oscar-winning performance as Lyndal who was sexually abused when she was 11 years old by her housemaster at a boarding school in Toowoomba, Australia. She courageously brings an action for damages against the Anglican Church in 2001. Clearly suffering from PTSD, this 22-year-old ploughed on refusing to compromise.
Professional film reviewers have suggested the film is 'static', 'polite', 'lacking sizzle', 'too cautious' and 'earnest'. I disagree. There was no need for flamboyance or extravagant camera angles.
Lyndal's story was the focus point and Tori Garrett, the director, obviously understood that.
There was anger simmering below the surface, glances between the characters that needed no words. There were attempts of holding back incriminating evidence by the school authorities and pressure to bully the plaintive into accepting piddling damages.
Lyndal stood firm but justice can be elusive and the jury's verdict unpredictable.
The pacing was just right, the editing unobtrusive, the acting excellent and the director's decisions spot on. The movie held my attention to the very last frame.
