Captive
Brian Bird
97 mins.
Crime, Drama, Thriller
September 18, 2015
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving violence and substance abuse. (MPAA)
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In 2005, the state of Georgia was at the center of the media’s attention. A manhunt was underway to find Brian Nichols, an escaped killer who was entering his third day on trial for the rape of one of his ex-girlfriends. Another of his ex-girlfriends had given birth to his son a few days before. He desperately wanted to see his son and didn’t want to be imprisoned. While on the run, he happened upon Ashley Smith, a woman who was having troubles of her own. She’d lost custody of her daughter due to an addiction to meth or “ice,” as she calls it. Nichols took Smith hostage for seven hours before letting her go and, subsequently, surrendering to the police.
“Captive,” starring David Oyelowo and Kate Mara as Brian and Ashley, tells that story. It’s similar to many other hostage films based on true events. The one difference is the role that Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” plays in the outcome of the events. As a result, this film is being marketed to moviegoers of faith. But the actual film isn’t heavy-handed in its use of that book. Well, it isn’t until just before the end credits, especially during its tribute to Smith and the victims of Nichols’ violence. That’s understandable, though.
Director Jerry Jameson has crafted a straightforward recounting of the events surrounding the manhunt. This is the antithesis of “Blue Caprice,” a film about the Beltway Snipers. At the beginning of “Captive,” a quote from the Bible appears onscreen: “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20) Immediately afterward, we’re shown Ashley and her daughter laughing together. Immediately after that, we see Ashley at a support group meeting. She’s not doing so well. Luis Sansans’ hand-held camerawork is par for the course here. We’re also treated to Lorne Balfe’s score, which is typical of that of many indie films. It goes from optimistic to atmospheric to urgent when needed. These opening moments move along. Actually, it’s paced rather well … until Ashley is taken hostage by Brian. Things slow down at that point – no surprise – but the rhythm is a bit disjointed, too, as a result. It’s not bad; it’s just … common.
Brian Bird’s script, based on “Unlikely Angel,” which Smith co-wrote with Stacy Mattingly, is decent. There certainly are clunky moments: The first time Ashley encounters Warren’s book in the film is too on-the-nose, for instance. Also, some of the lines are awkward: When Oyelowo says, “You scream again, and I will have to kill you,” it rings false. Another line that sticks out is when Michael K. Williams, as Lt. John Chestnut, says, “I can’t keep it straight with these women.” He’s referencing Nichols’ ex-girlfriends. It’s not the best moment. However, Bird does an acceptable job of straddling the line between suspense and faith. While the suspenseful parts are weakened as a result, I wouldn’t call “Captive” a failure because of it … and it could have been.
Essentially, “Captive” rests on the shoulders of Mara and Oyelowo. However, since it’s mostly based on Smith’s personal account, Mara has an easier job than does Oyelowo. Her character comes across much more clearly and effortlessly than Brian Nichols. Plus, Mara does a solid job in the role. She’s believable as a woman struggling to recover from drug addiction for her daughter. (She even manages to escape embarrassment during the “broken mirror” moment – you’ll know it when you see it.)
On the other hand, Oyelowo doesn’t fare as well. He’s a bit too graceful for the role. His delivery of the lines and, especially, his movements need to be weightier. They need to be grounded. His intelligence shines through (and it should), but I was never afraid of him. His transitions from being untrusting to trusting of Ashley just aren’t as sharp as they need to be. He’s no threat, and that’s this film’s major flaw. That can’t be glossed over. I just wish that Jameson had pushed Oyelowo further. Jameson should have knocked Oyelowo out of his comfort zone. If that had happened, then “Captive” could have lived up to the tension suggested by its title. Oyelowo could have shown a different side of his acting, as well.
Whenever a film tells a true story, the challenge is being able to compensate for the audience’s awareness of how it ends. You can’t unveil a big surprise at that point, so execution is key. Also, keeping the audience on its toes and highlighting the importance of moments that are less well-known are vital. “Captive” doesn’t quite accomplish that. It sets things up rather well, but it falls short of delivering. Nevertheless, it does have some good moments, and that’s not to be overlooked.
Verdict: OK
About: (Source: Captive)
CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives. When Brian Nichols – on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son – takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life. While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope.
