Cast
View AllHalle Berry
as Karla Dyson
Sage Correa
as Frankie Dyson
Chris McGinn
as Margo Fickey
Lew Temple
as Terry Fickey
Jason George
as David
Christopher Berry
as The Bearded Man
Arron Shiver
as Bill
Kurtis Bedford
as Del
Dana Gourrier
as Deputy Sheriff
Carmella Riley
as Stephanie
Kristin McKenzie Rice
as Mother in Park
Ritchie Montgomery
as Bugman
Kurt Krause
as Ice Cream Store Employee
Lucky Johnson
as Motorist
Michelle DeVito
as Driver
Crew
Director
- Luis Prieto
Writer
- Knate Gwaltney
Producer
- Lorenzo di Bonaventura
- Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
- Halle Berry
- Gregory Chou
- Erik Howsam
- Joey Tufaro
Reviews
Gimly
Poorly crafted and pretty predictable, I do wonder how Halle Berry got to making movies like _Kidnap_. It's not awful, but it's obviously low-budget, and there's nothing to it that I can really see as being appealing beyond the paycheque.
_Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
Jul 10, 2017
Reno
**It's now or never! A mother's fight back!**
Truly shocking for people blindly following the words of critics. This is really a good film. I totally enjoyed it. Well, it was not like I never saw such film. In a century of motion picture history, hundreds of similar films were made. This is just another one, but there's nothing wrong with it. People wrongly judged it. The pace of the film was rocket speed. So basically, there's no time for one to keep looking for flaws. If they do, then they're not enjoying the show. They missed out everything, hence end up bashing it. Just like the clowns, aka film critics.
It was another kidnap film that Halle Barry in it, that's similar to her previous film 'The Call'. It did not take long to get into the action. A hardworking mother, going through divorce, fighting for her son's custody. While engaging in a phone call, she loses her son in an amusement park. The alert mother quickly jumps into pursuing when he was seen forcefully taken in a stranger's car. The remaining events take place on the road, with car chases, with a twist before the conclusion.
Nicely written screenplay and well performed actors, particularly Halle Berry. I have never seen she had played such an energetic role in the recent time. Whatever the storyline is, it's kind of an inspiring film. How a mother fought for her son. Totally a mother instinct. You can't simply expect like the film 'Taken'. It might not be realistic, but cinematically honest. The same thing happens in the animal world too. Sad that the film released after so many delays. Moreover, how people responded to it. Believe me, it is a nice film and I definitely suggest it to all.
_8/10_
Nov 4, 2017
CinemaSerf
So amidst a child custody battle, “Karla” (Halle Berry) takes her young son “Frankie” (Sage Correa) to the park for some fun. Whilst she takes an important phone call he gets snatched and she only just manages to see him squashed into a car. She quickly sets off in pursuit and for the next ninety minutes we follow her most unlikely chase. Unfortunately, she dropped her phone in the car park so has no way to summon help. Is it her disgruntled ex who is behind this? Is it maybe just someone on the production trying to save the kid from more screen time than absolutely necessary? Well mom ain’t giving up as they leave the city heading who knows where. She does manage at one stage to force a confrontation and is told that for $10k she can have him back, but that part of the storyline is so completely ridiculous that again you begin to wonder just what made Berry see anything worth doing in this increasingly preposterous film. To be fair to it’s star, she does imbue her character with a degree of panic and desperation as the thing moves along, but the scenarios are just plain ridiculous and serendipitous to be taken seriously on just about any other level. Maybe wouldn’t mess with her wielding a shovel, though,
Mar 2, 2025
CinemaSerf
So amidst a child custody battle, “Karla” (Halle Berry) takes her young son “Frankie” (Sage Correa) to the park for some fun. Whilst she takes an important phone call he gets snatched and she only just manages to see him squashed into a car. She quickly sets off in pursuit and for the next ninety minutes we follow her most unlikely chase. Unfortunately, she dropped her phone in the car park so has no way to summon help. Is it her disgruntled ex who is behind this? Is it maybe just someone on the production trying to save the kid from more screen time than absolutely necessary? Well mom ain’t giving up as they leave the city heading who knows where. She does manage at one stage to force a confrontation and is told that for $10k she can have him back, but that part of the storyline is so completely ridiculous that again you begin to wonder just what made Berry see anything worth doing in this increasingly preposterous film. To be fair to it’s star, she does imbue her character with a degree of panic and desperation as the thing moves along, but the scenarios are just plain ridiculous and serendipitous to be taken seriously on just about any other level and the editing and continuity are the stuff of college work. Maybe wouldn’t mess with her wielding a shovel, though,
Mar 2, 2025
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Kidnap distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Luis Prieto brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Kidnap took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $21.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 42 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 2307 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kidnap shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Stranger Is Watching, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Kidnap subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Reckless and America Latina explore similar territory, Kidnap stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 3, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Budget: $21,000,000
- Revenue: $30,718,107