Based on a true story, this film tells the tragic saga of sixteen-year-old Hannah Anderson, who was kidnapped by the closest friend of her father after he had murdered in cold blood her mother and brother.
The name of the abductor was Jim DiMaggio, who seemed on the surface like an uncle to young Hannah and Ethan Anderson. Hannah's father, Brett Anderson, was separated from his wife Christina and was working in Tennessee, far away from his family members, who resided in Lakeside, California, which is northeast of San Diego.
"Uncle Jim" always seemed to be looking out for the kids, but he had deeper, darker secrets. His father had once tried to abduct a sixteen-year-old girl, then later committed suicide. It appears as though "Uncle Jim" was not only following in his father's footsteps, but was consciously seeking to imitate the deranged father.
The screenplay presented the story via flashbacks as Hannah is being interviewed on NBC television. The production values were excellent, especially the scenes in Idaho, where "Uncle Jim" takes Hannah. A group of passersby riding on horses spot "Uncle Jim" and Hanna, and they recognize that she is the kidnapping victim reported in the news. The riders' alert to the authorities likely saved the life of Hannah Anderson. The actress was excellent in the film, but it was especially the performance of the actor playing the father that registered most profoundly the emotional anguish of this shocking ordeal.
One of the themes of the film was the bullying that occurred on social media that questioned the integrity of Hannah's version of the story. The insensitivity and shocking allegations that she was a "Lakeside Lolita" led Hannah to go on national television to tell her story.
Still, the abuse continued with callous comments posted on the internet by users hiding behind pseudonyms. It was therefore ironic that, after this film was released, the real Hannah Anderson posted a complaint on Instagram that she never was consulted about the film and that even the film's preview included a false representation of the events. To be thorough and accurate, the film's producers should have consulted with Hannah. Still, the film portrayed her character with great dignity and compassion.
The name of the abductor was Jim DiMaggio, who seemed on the surface like an uncle to young Hannah and Ethan Anderson. Hannah's father, Brett Anderson, was separated from his wife Christina and was working in Tennessee, far away from his family members, who resided in Lakeside, California, which is northeast of San Diego.
"Uncle Jim" always seemed to be looking out for the kids, but he had deeper, darker secrets. His father had once tried to abduct a sixteen-year-old girl, then later committed suicide. It appears as though "Uncle Jim" was not only following in his father's footsteps, but was consciously seeking to imitate the deranged father.
The screenplay presented the story via flashbacks as Hannah is being interviewed on NBC television. The production values were excellent, especially the scenes in Idaho, where "Uncle Jim" takes Hannah. A group of passersby riding on horses spot "Uncle Jim" and Hanna, and they recognize that she is the kidnapping victim reported in the news. The riders' alert to the authorities likely saved the life of Hannah Anderson. The actress was excellent in the film, but it was especially the performance of the actor playing the father that registered most profoundly the emotional anguish of this shocking ordeal.
One of the themes of the film was the bullying that occurred on social media that questioned the integrity of Hannah's version of the story. The insensitivity and shocking allegations that she was a "Lakeside Lolita" led Hannah to go on national television to tell her story.
Still, the abuse continued with callous comments posted on the internet by users hiding behind pseudonyms. It was therefore ironic that, after this film was released, the real Hannah Anderson posted a complaint on Instagram that she never was consulted about the film and that even the film's preview included a false representation of the events. To be thorough and accurate, the film's producers should have consulted with Hannah. Still, the film portrayed her character with great dignity and compassion.