Elisabeth Moss Brings Ballet Skills to Spy Role in 'The Veil'

Elisabeth Moss, known for her acclaimed performances in 'Mad Men' and 'The Handmaid's Tale', is taking on a new challenge in the upcoming spy thriller 'The Veil'. In her role as British MI6 agent Imogen Salter, Moss is utilizing her background in ballet to execute intricate fight choreography, bringing a fresh perspective to the traditionally male-dominated spy genre.

'The Veil', a six-part limited series created by Steven Knight, follows Imogen as she navigates a complex mission involving Adilah El Idrissi, played by Yumna Marwan, a woman accused of being an ISIS operative. The show examines the tense relationship between the two women as they move through Europe, engaging in a psychological cat-and-mouse game while a potential terrorist threat is present.

Moss' ballet training has proven invaluable in her portrayal of Imogen, allowing her to perform complex fight sequences with a sense of rhythm and choreography. "I think my dance background helps me as an actor in terms of a sense of rhythm and choreography," Moss stated, highlighting how her physical skills have enhanced her performance in the action-packed role.

Why this matters: 'The Veil' challenges the traditional gender roles in spy dramas, showcasing a strong female lead in a physically demanding and multifaceted role. Moss' portrayal of Imogen Salter has the potential to reshape expectations and pave the way for more diverse representation in the genre.

While early reviews praise Moss and Marwan's compelling performances and the show's stylish execution, some critics note that 'The Veil' struggles to fully develop its characters and themes within the limited six-episode run. Despite these challenges, the series offers an entertaining and tense spy thriller that showcases Moss' range as an actress and her ability to bring depth to complex characters.

Key Takeaways

• Elisabeth Moss stars in new spy thriller 'The Veil' as a British MI6 agent.
• Moss utilizes her ballet background to execute intricate fight choreography in the show.
• 'The Veil' explores the tense relationship between Moss' character and an accused ISIS operative.
• The show challenges traditional gender roles in spy dramas with a strong female lead.
• While praised for performances, the limited series struggles to fully develop its characters and themes.