Review of Captive (2015) by Sam W — 23 Sep 2015

"Captive Movie Review".

If you have wondered about your purpose in life or been addicted to something the movie "Captive" now in theaters will bring these questions to light. The movie stars Kate Mara as Ashley Smith and David Oyelowo as Brian Nichols.

In 2005, a struggling mother Ashley Smith was living in Atlanta and trying to piece her life back together after being addicted to meth. She was given a copy of the "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, but wasn't interested in reading it. While she was trying get her life back together, an escaped convict named Brian Nichols had shot an Atlanta court house judge and court reporter as well as injured a police officer. He also shot an FBI agent while he was stealing his truck to avoid capture by law enforcement. Unbeknownst to Ashley, Brian winds up in her neighborhood and abducts Ashley in her own home.

At first Ashley is convinced that she is going to be Brian's next victim while she is bound and gagged. However, Ashley is able to talk to Brian about her daughter and he shares that he has a son named Christopher. She also talks to him about his family and that he needs to let her go in the morning so she can see her daughter. Ashley also reads to Brian passages out of the "Purpose Driven Life" which says that God still has a purpose for you. She reveals to him that he even has a purpose for his life after the crimes he committed.

This movie is must for anyone who is currently struggling with an addiction or who is wondering if God has a purpose for their life after they have made mistakes. Mara's portrayal of Ashley Smith shows a mother who is unsure about her life and also struggling to break free of an addiction. Oyleowo's portrayal of Brian Nichols shows him at first as a cold-blooded killer then as someone who also needs to be shown redemption. Viewers will leave the theater remembering Ashley's story and also with hope.