Captive
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Hostage thriller about escaped prisoner has violence, drugs.
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Captive
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What's the Story?
Convicted felon Brian (David Oyelowo) breaks out of jail, leaving three people dead and triggering a massive manhunt. With nowhere to go, he takes Ashley (Kate Mara) CAPTIVE so he can hide out in her apartment, in this thriller based on true story. She's a single mom struggling to overcome a meth habit, and all she wants is to survive the ordeal so she can see her daughter again.
Is It Any Good?
Besides the fact that Mara and Oyelowo are obviously very accomplished actors, Captive isn't all that captivating. The story, though promising, is eclipsed by slow pacing and plot complications that lead nowhere. And while the movie's promotional materials made a big deal about the fact that, in real life, Ashley read out loud to her captor from a self-help book -- crediting its encouraging message for helping him decide to release her -- in the film, that point is significantly underplayed. The reading lasts only a few moments, and its impact on Brian is unclear; it feels like something the director knew had to be included but had trouble finding a smooth way to work in. Frankly, Oyelowo is so convincingly violent that it's tough to see what spurs his change of heart. And it's just as hard to find a reason to be inspired by this film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ashley's addiction. What has it cost her? Does her night as Brian's captive give her the strength to finally get clean? Is drug use ever glamorized in Captive?
Do you agree with the movie's main theme/message? Is there good in everyone? If so, does that mean everyone can find redemption?
What role does violence play in the film? Are the violent moments more or less disturbing than what you'd see in a horror movie? Why? Why do different kinds of media have a different impact on viewers?
Why does Brian break out of jail? What is he trying to accomplish? Does he get what he was seeking?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 18, 2015
- On DVD or streaming: January 5, 2016
- Cast: Kate Mara , David Oyelowo , Mimi Rogers
- Director: Jerry Jameson
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Black actors
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Thriller
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: mature thematic elements involving violence and substance abuse
- Last updated: January 26, 2023
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