I found this fact-based film when it was broadcast on Film4, it wasn't rated well, but I liked the sound of it, and it had two good actors in it, so I went for it. Basically, set in 2005, Ashley Smith (Kate Mara) is a single mother struggling with drug addiction. She admits in therapy that taking methamphetamine has lost her custody with her daughter, Paige (Elle Graham),but she hopes for the chance to see her daughter as she moves to a new apartment. On March 11, Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo, also producing) escapes from the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta, during his trial involving a rape case. In the process of his escape, he murders Judge Rowland Barnes (Richard Fullerton),presiding over his trial, as well as court reporter Julie Brandau. While escaping the courthouse, he also shoots Sergeant Hoyt Teasley (E. Roger Mitchell),and then later kills off-duty ICE Special Agent David G. Wilhelm (Rob Bouton) at his home. Nichols becomes the subject of a citywide manhunt, but he has stolen a police walkie-talkie and can monitor them. After stealing several cars and hurting more people, he stops at the home of his ex-girlfriend, and peers through the window to see his new-born baby son. Meanwhile, Ashley is at her new apartment unpacking boxes, and she gives into temptation, taking meth during the process. Nichols, desperate to find somewhere to hide, holds Ashley at gunpoint and enters her apartment. She becomes captive in her own home, as he ties her up in the bathroom while he has a drink, has a shower and she offers him some clothes. Ashley is petrified but tries to remain calm and they have some conversation. He asks her for drugs, and she supplies him with her meth, but she refuses to take it herself, even when ordered at gunpoint. Ashley asks to go the bathroom, and tries to escape through the window, but she is unable to open it. Nichols notices Ashley's book, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and asks her to read it aloud. Meanwhile, Lieutenant John Chestnut (Michael Kenneth Williams) leads the search for Nichols. He attempts to contact the escaped criminal on the walkie-talkie, trying to convince him to turn himself in, mentioning his new-born son's name, Christopher. Watching television, Nichols sees reports that police are looking for the last vehicle he stole, and he wants Ashley to help him get away from the area. She drives in her car as he follows, and there is a point where she momentarily breaks down and stranger offers help. But she makes an excuse, as Nichols is watching, the stranger drives away and they return to the apartment. Ashley constantly mentions that she must meet her daughter the following day, or she may lose all contact with her. The next morning, Ashley makes pancakes and reads more of the book out loud. Ashley again mentions her urgency to leave the house and tells him that she is slowly making her way to the door, but he makes no effort to stop her. Ashley drives away, and on the journey calls the police to report what has happened. Following the brief conversation on the walkie-talkie, and Ashley's call, the police pinpoint Nichols' location to Ashley's apartment. The place is surrounded by Chestnut and the police, along with an armed SWAT team, and Ashley is there as well. Chestnut tries to make Nichols come out, with no effect, and Ashley takes the loud hailer to convince him to give himself up. Chestnut warns him that the forces will be coming in any moment, but Nicholas comes out waving a white flag (a handkerchief) and surrenders. In the end, as Nichols is apprehended, Aunt Kim (Mimi Rogers) is relieved to see Ashley safe and sound, and happily reunited with Paige. The epilogue explains that Brian Nichols is serving time in prison but hopes one day to meet his son, and that following her ordeal, Ashley never took drugs again, made a better life for herself and her daughter, and found new love and had more children. The end credits show the real Ashley Smith being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey about the events. Also starring Leonor Varela as Detective Carmen Sanchez, and Jessica Oyelowo (David's wife) as Meredith MacKenzie. It is fair to say that some of the script is a bit predictable, and the end credits are ruined by a gospel song, but Oyelowo as the man on the run and Mara as the troubled mother being held hostage both give great performances, and it is just about engaging enough, not a bad crime thriller based on a true story. Okay!

Ashley Smith (Kate Mara) is a meth addict struggling with recovery. Her aunt is caring for her young daughter and is bringing her the next day. She gets held captive by fugitive killer Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo).

I remember this story. I assumed that there was more preaching and convincing by Ashley. I'm actually glad that it kept that aspect understated but it also means that the story isn't that dramatic once I remember the story. It's a little flat. In addition, Oyelowo is not a big guy. He doesn't feel that threatening although he does crazy well. The movie is fine.

CAPTIVE is a rather boring low budget thriller that fails to offer up much in the way of thrills or depth, despite having a startling opening sequence depicting a violent jail break. It's essentially a two hander between Kate Mara and David Oyelowo, the latter of whom plays an escaped rapist who ends up in Mara's home and takes her hostage. All good so far, but then the film turns into a lengthy, rambling sermon that seems to have been designed to advertise The Purpose-Driven Life, one of those Christian self-help books. As such, it feels more than a little preachy, as well as dull.