Abducted

An engrossing thriller, Abducted is an excellent film that depicts many important topics that everyone should learn more about. The movie shows how Indigenous families are impacted by residential schools and intergenerational trauma from over 100 years of historical oppression. Like Kokum, Derrick and Lakota, many Indigenous families experience poverty, gangs, addictions and missing and murdered Indigenous people. The film also highlights the systemic racism in policing that has failed to protect Indigenous communities. The movie does not end in despair though and provides hope for the future. Abducted reveals the strength and resilience of Indigenous people who have been able to maintain their cultural values, beliefs and practises even through their loss. Derrick, in his determination to find his sister, was able to draw on his spiritual gift to help guide him to Lakota. The importance of family love valued by Indigenous people also resonates throughout the film and is what motivated Derrick to continue his search, even through constant barriers. We also gain an insight into what breeds a serial killer. Unfortunately, it is the lack of that family love that made Tyson become the person he did. The film gives you so much to think about and provokes conversation that is needed in today's society in order for reconciliation to occur with Indigenous people. Thank you!

In today's cinematic blockbuster realm, we are enamoured by glamorous scenes and CGI, pulled into repetitive series of familiar stories and choose movies based on who is acting in them. We don't always get the opportunity to come into a theatre expecting something new with emotionally grasping storylines.

Abducted - The Movie, directed by Daniel Foreman, took me by surprise! This was intelligent, spiritual, tense, and terrifyingly realistic, all while truly encapsulating the daily suppressions of the systemic racisms that are still so hard wired into our society and bringing awareness to the formidable "Highway of Tears", where so many indigenous women and girls have gone missing. To weave all of this into a spiritual thriller with thick plot lines was impressive.

Foreman teamed himself with a stellar cast. The relationships and characters were all portrayed without a Hollywood façade, giving natural emotional connections to the ever-growing character development that takes place throughout the whole film. Everyone had a story to tell and a reason for being who they were; there was a complete cycle of cause and effect for everyone, including the villain. This really fed into the story, bringing you right next to the characters as they strive to survive within their own realms of struggle within society.

The ending gives an honest and inspirational take-away, reminding us that family and appreciation of culture are important, as well as asking for help after traumatic events. They then finished off the film giving one last message of awareness and perspective on the ongoing series of cases to MMIWG.

The summary and the trailer barely scratched the surface of what the movie actually offered and to be honest, I would probably have to watch it a couple more times to gather all the deep underlying layers intertwined into the web of this film. It's mysterious, thought provoking, socially conscious and intense... with a little quick-whit humour spun in for some relief.

You need to see it!

The topical matter of murdered and missing Aboriginal women is addressed in this gripping thriller. Although it does not have the gloss of a big budget Hollywood film, the Aboriginal director with the help of a solid Aboriginal cast gives us a realistic portrayal of the complex and multi dimensional background which surrounds this horrible issue. A balanced mix of suspense, humour and positive moments however allows the message to be absorbed in a meaningful way.

The film isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues that society may not always to face... including police brutality, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and more. It features some rising actors/actresses to watch out for!

I have seen reviews say this is based on a true story. The movie alludes too it in the end. Additionally, it shows a depiction of racism against native Americans.

All if the aforementioned is important topics.

However, the filming is so amateur level, it's just hard to watch. I'd rather watch a 45 min documentary on the subject with real facts.

And if this is a real story, I really don't appreciate the horror movie filming of it where the scenes with women are sexualized for ratings instead of filming in a way that is done that gives seriousness to what really happens.