Excitement brews for “Captive”
Faith-based films have been making an impact at the box office in recent years. We can add another to that list with “Captive.”
Based on the best-selling book “Unlikely Angel,” “Captive” tells the true story of Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo) who kills four people while escaping from custody in an Atlanta courthouse and is consequently on the run.
Nichols kidnaps Ashley Smith (Kate Mara), a recovering drug addict, and holds her hostage in her home. To make it through the night, she reads the popular book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. As Smith begins to read the book aloud to Nichols, he attempts to search for redemption.
The entire film was intense and kept me on the edge of my seat. You never knew what was going to happen next, and at any moment Nichols could turn on Smith and kill her.
The score of the movie was really good as well, and the music played at just the right moments as the tension rose between the characters. My only problem was that I wanted to hear more sections of the book, but that is being nitpicky on my part.
The acting by both Oyelowo and Mara was incredible. After the failure of “Fantastic Four” earlier this summer, it is good to see Mara give a performance worthy of her talent.
Since the success of “Selma” everyone has wanted to work with Oyelowo, and now I can see why. He can play any role and do it well. This may not be end up on my Top 10 list of 2015, but it is certainly worthy of an honorable mention. I give “Captive” seven out of ten.
