Don't Tell (2017)

Don't Tell Poster

Based on true events that changed the law. This is the story of a survivor, Lyndal, a young woman sexually abused as an 11 year old while attending a prestigious school. Her courage to fight for justice is entrusted to a local lawyer determined to build a case and give Lyndal peace from her torment. With the help of his aspiring young associate and an enigmatic barrister, the lawyer and Lyndal find their way together.

Overview
"Don't Tell" is a 2017 Australian drama film directed by Tori Garrett and written by Anne Brooksbank, Ursula Cleary, and James Greville. The film is based upon the true story of a kid sexual abuse scandal that happened at a Presbyterian Church School in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.

Plot
The story revolves around Lyndal (Sara West), a young woman who suffered sexual assault as an eleven-year-old woman at the hands of a housemaster at her boarding school. Shocked and silent for numerous years, Lyndal decides to break her silence and fight for justice in spite of the many barriers she encounters.

With the aid of child psychiatrist, Dr. Joy Connolly (Rachel Griffiths), and attorney Stephen Roche (Aden Young), Lyndal takes on the church and the highly esteemed school community in a lawsuit that exposes the shocking scale and cover-up of the child sex abuse scandal.

Characters and performances
Sara West gives a heart-wrenching performance as Lyndal, representing the injury and vulnerability of the character with tremendous credibility and authenticity. Aden Young plays the function of Stephen Roche, the determined legal representative committed to bringing justice to Lyndal, with convincing dedication and compassion.

Rachel Griffiths personifies the caring and encouraging psychiatrist, assisting Lyndal through her healing journey. Other supporting characters, consisting of Jack Thompson and Susie Porter, deliver remarkable efficiencies, adding depth to the story.

Themes and messages
"Don't Tell" is more than just a courtroom drama; it's an engaging narrative about survival, courage, resilience, and justice. It's a shattering exposé of institutional abuse, the cover-up it typically faces, and the effectiveness of collective action against such atrocities in society.

The film highlights the psychological after-effects of such occurrences and remarkably handles the sensitive topic with the seriousness it should have. The motion picture checks out the styles of fact and justice, showing the power and impact of one's voice, and underscores the value of mental health.

Critics & Audience Response
Although the motion picture is difficult to enjoy due to the troubling topic it deals with, "Don't Tell" was generally favored by critics and audiences. They praised the movie for its strong performances, engaging plot, and its nuanced handling of a sensitive subject. The movie was applauded for its authentic representation of real-life events, shedding light on a dark chapter of a neighborhood's history.

Conclusion
"Don't Tell" tells the story of one woman's brave defend justice that rippled across the whole nation, forcing individuals to sit up and notice the prevalent and frequently overlooked concern of child sexual abuse. It's an inspiring narrative about a survivor's determination to make her voice heard, activating a change not simply for herself however for many others suffering in silence. With power-packed efficiencies and a riveting story, "Don't Tell" is a turning point film in Australian movie theater.

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