Watch Captive
- PG-13
- 2015
- 1 hr 37 min
-
5.4 (7,317)
In the movie Captive, directed by Jerry Jameson, the lives of two strangers are irreversibly changed when they find themselves held hostage by an escaped convict. Based on true events, the film is a gripping suspenseful thriller. The story begins with Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo), a prisoner who manages to escape from his guards while on trial for rape. He makes his way to the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, and while there, he kills her along with her boyfriend and a federal agent. After escaping from the scene, he makes his way to a nearby apartment where he takes Ashley Smith (Kate Mara), a single mother and recovering drug addict, as his hostage.
What follows is an intense standoff between Brian and Ashley. He is a desperate convict, on the run and willing to do whatever it takes to stay free. Meanwhile, Ashley is trying desperately to survive the ordeal and protect her young daughter, while also dealing with her own emotional baggage.
The film focuses on the emotional connection that develops between Brian and Ashley over the course of their captivity. As they talk throughout the night, Ashley begins to understand the extent of Brian's struggles and the reasons why he became involved with drugs and crime. Brian, in turn, comes to realize the harm his actions have caused and the human cost of his crimes.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it deals with the theme of redemption. As Brian and Ashley talk, they begin to understand one another and see the potential for change in their own lives. Both characters are shown to be flawed individuals, but the film takes a nuanced approach in depicting them, refusing to simply portray them as victims or villains.
The performances by Kate Mara and David Oyelowo are at the heart of the film, and both actors give compelling performances. Mara is particularly impressive, bringing a grounded authenticity to her portrayal of Ashley. Oyelowo, who is best known for his work in Selma and The Butler, is equally talented, bringing a depth and complexity to the role of Brian.
The film is well-directed by Jerry Jameson, who manages to balance the intense drama of the hostage situation with the emotional journey of the two main characters. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the tight quarters of Ashley's apartment serving to increase the sense of claustrophobia and tension.
Overall, Captive is a well-crafted, suspenseful thriller that delivers on both the action and emotional fronts. Though the film deals with difficult subject matter, it manages to avoid sensationalizing it, instead focusing on the human dimension of the story. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the potential for redemption, making for a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
Captive is a 2015 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 36.