Beginning her career in 1999 on one of the world’s most popular daytime dramas, As the World Turns, Amanda Seyfried has racked up different roles in hundreds of films and TV shows since, including 2004’s Mean Girls and 2012’s Les Misérables. Fast forward to 2025, and she still shines brightly with the new film Seven Veils.
Before getting to the nitty gritty of this latest entry into Seyfried’s filmography, in 1996, Film Director Atom Egoyan’s (The Sweet Hereafter 1997, The Captive 2014) life changed forever when he directed the Opera Salome. A project that would open more doors for Egoyan’s directorial career, he has been behind countless memorable features since, including 1997’s Academy Award-nominated The Sweet Hereafter. With Seven Veils, Egoyan magically brings theatrical and cinematic worlds together.
Originally premiering at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, Seven Veils now hits theaters nationwide on March 7th through XYZ Films and is focused around a remount of the aforementioned 1996 Opera Salome. Here, Seyfried portrays Jeanine, a director set to remount the opera of her former mentor’s most famous work, who eventually brings her disturbing past into the present with it coming to the surface with the production.
With a brief overview, Seven Veils begins with a voiceover of Jeanine’s character. This voiceover is the storyteller and the link between Jeanine’s past and the present. It is not overplayed, comes in at the right times, and does not distract from the story, which is key to the film’s effect. Joining this aspect of the Seven Veils is the camera work and lighting, which are simply excellent. Providing some examples, there are shots during the rehearsal for the dance scene on the white backdrop that was very intriguing and done perfectly.
The story, however, is what carries Seven Veils. It is easily understood and creates a deep connection with the audience. Though it is a dark story, it is still a very connectable one. The story touches on some of the harsher subject matters (sexual abuse and affairs), but nonetheless, they happen every day somewhere to someone.
Furthermore, beyond Seyfried’s Jeannie, all of the supporting characters are phenomenal. Although some of their stories were not necessary to the main focus, they still managed to give the film a bit extra. Giving credit where credit is due, Rebecca Liddiard (Frankie Drake Mysteries series, Woman With The Red Lipstick 2024), Douglas Smith (Big Loves series, Don’t Worry Darling 2022), and Ambur Braid (The Upside 2017, Hadrian 2020) all did such a great job in their specific support roles.
With strong standing camera work, a phenomenal director, an excellent cast, and a tale that is easy to follow but dark enough to keep one intrigued until the very end, Cryptic Rock gives Seven Veils 5 out of 5 stars.
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