Captive

The 2015 thriller drama "Captive" invites moviegoers into a tense, real-life hostage situation with a surprising twist. Directed by Jerry Jameson, the film features a strong ensemble cast, with Kate Mara of "House of Cards" fame, David Oyelowo, renowned for his role in "Selma," and veteran Hollywood actor Mimi Rogers completing the principal cast.

Based on a true story, "Captive" explores the real-life crisis of Ashley Smith, played by Kate Mara, a young single mother struggling with drug addiction in Atlanta, Georgia. Striving to turn her life around after losing custody of her daughter, Ashley is unexpectedly thrown into the center of a citywide manhunt when she becomes the hostage of Brian Nichols, a desperate and dangerous fugitive played by David Oyelowo.

Oyelowo's Brian Nichols is a complex character, a criminal on the run after a daring courthouse escape. However, the film makes an attempt to go beyond the one-dimensional portrayal of Nichols as a cold-blooded murderer. While he remains a dangerous threat, Nichols struggles with the consequences of his actions, creating odd moments of vulnerability where the audience is offered a glimpse into the humanity behind the criminal.

On the other hand, Ashley Smith’s character comes alive under Mara's portrayal as a woman trapped in her own personal prison of drug addiction. She's trying to break free and regain her life and her child. This internal struggle parallels the external ordeal she suddenly finds herself in as Nichols' hostage. As the situation rapidly unravels, Ashley's will to survive and protect her daughter grows stronger, creating a story of resilience and hope in a seemingly hopeless setting.

As the night drags on, Ashley begins to read Rick Warren's bestselling book, "The Purpose Driven Life," to keep Brian distracted and herself sane amidst the chaos. As the ideas of faith, purpose, and acceptance echo in the quiet house, it creates an unlikely bond between Ashley and Brian, steering the film towards an exploration of redemption and humanity in its rawest forms. "Captive" becomes a unique blend of true crime thriller and a subtle study of human nature, where captor and captive both seek liberation from their internal struggles.

Mimi Rogers, playing the role of Smith's aunt, provides a further depth to the narrative through the lens of a concerned and loving family member. Her consistent fear and worry, combined with her unwavering belief in Ashley's potential for change, provides a warming, emotional layer to a story filled with tension and uncertainty. Other significant characters and dynamic performances intensify the proceedings, maintaining a tight grip on the audience's attention.

One of the movie’s most significant achievements is its ability to handle such intense subject matter with sensitivity, the hostage drama wrapped around a central theme of second chances and redemption. It intertwines a taut and gripping plot with an exploration of the power of faith and the struggle for personal emancipation. By merging thriller elements with spiritual undertones and elements of human drama, the filmmakers avoid glamorizing crime or addiction, using them instead as a backdrop to examine the human spirit's capacity for change and resilience.

With a screenplay penned by Brian Bird, known for his work on "When Calls The Heart," the narrative remains character-driven and stays true to the authenticity of the real-life events it is based on, thus retaining the dialogue's rawness and drama. Every frame is pulsating with tension, giving the audience a sense of the escalating situation that Ashley Smith grapples with.

"Captive" is visually appealing as well, the stylish cinematography creating stark contrasts between the darkness of the physical surroundings and Ashley's battle with her inner demons. The camera work does a brilliant job of drawing the audience into the claustrophobic confines of Smith's home, creating a tangible sense of fear and uncertainty.

The blend of thriller, unexpected faith, and redemption elements, complemented by strong performances and a tight script, make "Captive" an intriguing watch. It's a film that challenges its audience to question their perceptions of others and themselves, pushing the boundaries between right and wrong, free and captive, victims and villains. It's a film that lingers in the mind long after the closing credits roll.