The shrouded secrecy : My quick take on web series “The Veil” (Disney +)
Just finished slogging through The Veil, Disney+'s latest attempt at a spy thriller. It's six episodes of pure espionage-laced masala that somehow manages to keep you watching. The plot? Oh, just your standard fare: a British NGO worker trying to escort a suspected ISIS operative from the Turkish-Syrian border to Paris, with a pitstop in Istanbul. Because why not?
The series offers a delightful game of cat-and-mouse between our two leading ladies, where truth, lies, and deceit are the main course. Each woman is trying to outmaneuver the other, and it's all set against some stunning backdrops. Kudos to the location scouts for showcasing Turkey, Istanbul, Paris, and Canterbury in all their wintery, snow-covered glory. It almost makes you forget the convoluted storyline. Almost.
As a spy thriller, it dutifully includes the CIA, MI6, the French agency, and even the FSB from Russia. Everyone's double-crossing everyone else, and the intrigue is, let's say, alive. The title The Veil is a clever metaphor, I guess, hinting at the characters' layers of secrecy.
Elizabeth Moss and Yumna Marwan take on the roles of the British agent and the Syrian refugee, and yes, they do a commendable job. You might get flashbacks to Homeland or Tehran, but don't get too excited. This series leans more towards human drama and relationships than explosive action.
It's a watchable series, though calling it binge-worthy would be a stretch. Six episodes in 2-3 sittings sounds about right. And, in true modern series fashion, it ends on an open note, clearly angling for a second season. If this one manages to hold the audience's attention, that is.
So, if you're in the mood for a not-so-action-packed spy thriller with some decent character drama and gorgeous scenery, The Veil might just be worth your time. Or not.
P.S : looks like the plot has good potential to get “adapted” in indian language, as it is similar to our Bhaijaan escorting Munni across the border 😉
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