Synopsis
On a freezing winter night, in an small, isolated village, masked figures prowl. The monsters lurk by the houses, knock on doors. You let these strangers into your home. They remain silent. They observe you. With Veiled Intent, a documentary horror film, or maybe an experimental fable, brings to life an endangered tradition: Mi-Carême (Mid-Lent), as it is celebrated in Natashquan. Welcome to the monster ball.
A word from Tënk
“With Veiled Intent” is a common expression meaning that someone acts in secret, without revealing their true intentions. This is literally the tradition of Mi-Carême in Natashquan: wandering through the town unrecognizable. Yet, far from the image one might have of a cheerful, communal celebration, Laurence Olivier immerses us in a world of horror. No dialogue, no color, no soundtrack—only the wind, the road, ultrasonic sounds, and masked figures with fleshy bodies as the sole characters. These figures wander, enter houses, silently. Sometimes they wear masks of famous personalities or carry signs with political messages. But who are these beings intruding into our living rooms?
By presenting this tradition as a horror experience, Laurence Olivier likely invites viewers to reflect on these foreign presences in our intimate spaces. Not literally these neighbors disguised for Mi-Carême, but all those who subtly intrude into our lives—politicians, celebrities, corporations… Why do they come to us? For what purpose? And above all, what do they hide behind their masks? With Veiled Intent thus offers a critical lens on all these figures—human or organizational—that enter our lives without ever revealing themselves.
Laurine Huvé
Partnerships and Development Manager
Plein(s) Écran(s)
