Review of Kidnapped (2010) by Michael H — 12 Sep 2011

Kidnapped completely took me by surprise as I was convinced, based on the first nail-biting hour or so, that this clever movie would develop into something unique. However, while Viva's movie does hold its fair share of plot twists and shocks and the fate of its hapless victims remains almost palpable throughout, Kidnapped suffers from an unecessary descent into nihilism and splatter in the final reel.

While its realism works for the most part, the final third felt like another director had taken over as subtlety was replaced by further lashings of blood and gore. But Kidnapped is a special breed of movie and should be applauded for merging the thriller and horror genres, even though the results are not always successful.

On the technical side, Viva's use of long takes and snaking steadicam weave a claustrophobic and hypnotic spell while the special effects make-up team work overtime to ensure the torture and murder scenes are revoltingly realistic.

While many will be more than satisfied (if that's the right word) with its cold-blooded ending, I felt its cynicism prevent it from becoming a classic in its own right. For the most part, however, Kidnapped is a well-made and riveting horror that far outstrips the competition.