Watch The Saratov Approach

The Saratov Approach is a powerful and intense thriller based on a true story about two young American missionaries, Andrew Lee Propst (Corbin Allred) and Travis Tuttle (Maclain Nelson), who are kidnapped in Saratov, Russia. The film opens with the two missionaries doing their work, preaching in parks and distributing copies of the Book of Mormon in the city of Saratov. Things take a dark turn when they are abducted by a group of Russian mafia members who are looking to extort money from the church they work for.

The film begins with a tense scene where Propst and Tuttle are confronted by their captors, who do not speak English. The two missionaries are fearful and uncertain of what will happen to them. The filmmakers do an excellent job of portraying the sense of dread and hopelessness that the two men feel as they are taken away from their familiar surroundings to an unfamiliar and hostile environment.

The story follows the two missionaries as they are held captive for several days, with their captors using various tactics to try and extract money from the church. These tactics include physical and emotional abuse, as well as psychological manipulation. The filmmakers effectively convey the terrible plight of the two men and the harsh reality of their situation.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the way in which it explores the religious convictions of the two missionaries. Both Propst and Tuttle are devout Mormons, and their faith is a central theme of the film. The filmmakers sensitively portray the struggle of the two men to maintain their faith in the face of extreme adversity. The film also provides insight into the Mormon religion, which may be unfamiliar to many viewers.

The Saratov Approach is not only a thriller but also a story about friendship and sacrifice. The bond between Propst and Tuttle is a key aspect of the film, and their unwavering loyalty to each other is inspiring. The film highlights the importance of human connection and the power of friendship in overcoming adversity.

The acting in the film is impressive, particularly from the two leads, Corbin Allred and Maclain Nelson. Both actors give nuanced performances that capture the emotional complexity of their characters. The supporting cast is also strong, including Nikita Bogolyubov, who plays one of the captors, and Paul Mulder, who plays a church leader trying to secure the release of the two missionaries.

The Saratov Approach is a well-crafted film that succeeds in telling a powerful story of courage and perseverance. The film's thematic content is substantial, exploring themes such as religion, friendship, and sacrifice. The film's tense and suspenseful narrative is punctuated by moments of genuine emotion, making the audience feel invested in the fates of the two protagonists. Overall, The Saratov Approach is a moving and thought-provoking film that is sure to resonate with audiences.

The Saratov Approach is a 2013 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.