Watch Captive

Captive is a 2015 drama thriller directed by Jerry Jameson and based on the true story of Ashley Smith's hostage situation with escaped convict Brian Nichols. The film stars David Oyelowo as Nichols and Kate Mara as Ashley Smith. The movie begins with Nichols escaping from custody after murdering a judge and two other people. As he looks for ways to evade the police, he breaks into Ashley Smith's apartment and takes her hostage. What follows is a tense, gripping drama that explores both the captor's and the captive's struggles.

One of the most striking things about Captive is how it humanizes both Brian Nichols and Ashley Smith. While Nichols is clearly a dangerous criminal, the movie doesn't reduce him to a one-dimensional villain. Instead, we see glimpses of his background and learn about his motivations, such as his anger towards the justice system and his desire to connect with his son. Similarly, Ashley Smith is not portrayed as a helpless victim, but as a struggling young woman trying to overcome addiction and reconnect with her daughter.

The film's central relationship between Nichols and Smith is complex and fraught with tension. At times, it seems as if Nichols is almost trying to help Smith overcome her addiction and turn her life around. He even gives her his own copy of the book The Purpose Driven Life, which he reads during his time in captivity. However, it's clear that Nichols is still dangerous and could turn violent at any moment. Meanwhile, Ashley Smith is in constant fear for her life and trying to find a way to escape.

The movie also explores the larger societal issues at play in this situation. Throughout the film, we see news reports and interviews with people affected by the situation. Some view Nichols as a monster who deserves to be punished, while others sympathize with him and see him as a victim of a flawed system. These debates are particularly relevant in light of recent events such as the Black Lives Matter protests and the ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform.

The performances in Captive are uniformly excellent. David Oyelowo brings a quiet intensity to the role of Brian Nichols, conveying both his anger and his vulnerability. Kate Mara is equally impressive as Ashley Smith, capturing the character's fear and vulnerability while also showing her inner strength.

Overall, Captive is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes in a nuanced and engaging way. It's a testament to the skill of the filmmakers and the actors that they were able to take a true story that could have easily been reduced to a sensationalistic news item and turn it into a moving and meaningful work of art.

Captive is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.