A Glimpse of Faith in the Darkest of Times: The Cleveland Abductions

Hello there, fellow readers!

The film The Cleveland Abductions, based on Michelle Knight's memoirs, tells us a real-life story of three kidnapped girls who were held captive by Ariel Castro from 2002 to 2013. The reasons behind Castro's kidnappings are somewhat glossed over in the movie, but you can learn more about it by reading up on the facts online.

What struck me about the film was how it reminded me of Natascha Kampusch's story, as well as some of the stories shared on the Agatha Christie true-crime channel.

The director takes you through the story of not just Michelle, but also three other girls who were held captive for over a decade. What struck me was Michelle's unwavering strength and the love she had for her son, who she was desperately missing.

The twist unravels the beginning of Castro's kidnappings: his first victim is 21-year-old Michelle Knight, who unwittingly gets into Castro's car after trusting him as a friendly acquaintance and school bus driver.

I was supposed to head to court that day for a custody battle over my son. Castro showed up and offered to give me a ride, which was a surprise because I knew one of his daughters.

As the story unfolds, you'll come across many thought-provoking ideas. The one who was supposed to care for me hurt me instead. If someone wrongs you, it doesn't mean you should wrong others.

I know that there's more good in the world than evil.

What struck me was how, amidst all the chaos, these women found reasons to be happy and smile. And, more than that, Michelle never doubted God and that, even in the midst of all that horror, He was right there with her. That kind of faith is truly admirable, especially for me as a Catholic.

He's with me every day, and He's never left me.

We only think God isn't there when we're too afraid to look.

Ask Him to calm your pain and say, 'I want to make things right.'

I highly recommend the film for those who enjoy true-crime themes.

Thanks for your time and more interesting films in your collection!

Movie reviews about captivity and unlawful detention:

The Girl Next Door (2007). A fictionalized account of the real-life murder of Sylvia Likens Changeling (2008). The Wineville Murders and the story of one mother. Plus and minus points on Clint Eastwood's artistic direction The Hole (2001). Either you belong to me, or nobody and never, or how a carefree weekend in a bunker turned into a nightmare The Black Phone (2021). Psychic dreams, a black phone, and communication with the souls of the dead... A teenager's struggle for life in captivity with a serial killer The Sisters of Magdalene (2002). Don't look for holiness in people, but look for holiness in God or The real story of a women's monastery that preached a good cause, but committed lawlessness within Stolen Identity (2023). She simply dropped her smartphone and fell into the sights of a serial killer or The story of what can happen in the age of gadgets

Movie and cartoon reviews here

The film's minimalist approach, with a single location, a tight cast of characters, and a muted color palette, makes it an engaging watch. However, I didn't see any Stockholm syndrome in this story, unlike what happened to Natascha Kampusch. What was glaringly obvious, though, was the fear - intense and primal. It's strange to blame the girls for not fighting back against a grown man who was daily physically and emotionally abusing them, especially when they were exhausted, traumatized, and physically restrained.

Castro installed cameras and sound-activated sensors on the doors. He wanted to break the girls' spirits, telling them that if anyone tried to escape, he'd kill them all. Occasionally, Ariel would leave the door to the room unlocked, almost like he was toying with the girls.

The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and the human spirit's ability to persevere even in the darkest of times. Michelle's unwavering faith in God is a testament to the power of hope and redemption.

The film's themes of captivity, unlawful detention, and the human spirit's ability to persevere are thought-provoking and timely. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in true-crime stories or the human condition.