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Film: Captive

  • Jo Siedlecka

Set in Atlanta, Georgia, Captive, directed by Jerry Jameson, tells the true story of a young widowed mother, struggling with drug addiction, who was taken hostage in her own apartment by a murderer on the run in 2005.

Escaped prisoner Brian Nichols, played with great force by the award-winning British actor David Ayelowo, has already shot four people and survived a dramatic car chase, by the time he breaks into the home of Ashley Smith (Kate Mara). He is desperate, a terrifying figure - and she seems so frail, it is hard to see how she will survive. But then ... Ashley casually picks up a book someone has given her: 'The Purpose Driven Life'... She reads just a couple of lines from the book out loud and the pair begin to talk. The conversation never becomes overly religious, but does suddenly give both Ashley and Brian a fresh perspective on their damaged lives.

I won't spoil the story by revealing the end. Suffice it to say the real Ashley Smith has written her own life story now and is interviewed on Oprah at the end of the film.

David Ayelowo (who was with the RSC and nominated for a Golden Globe award for his role as Martin Luther King in Selma) and Kate Mara (House of Cards) both give really excellent performances.

Captive was produced by David Oyelowo with Jerry Jameson.

This thoughtful film deals with themes of identity, responsibility, redemption and forgiveness. Standing back a bit it also flags up the issue of the gun laws in America, and the all-too often rootless and directionless nature of modern life.

Captive could be very helpful for use in schools and youth groups. Ethos Media have produced a range of resources to go with the film.

These are available from www.ethosmedia.org/captive.

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