This was a very moving and excellently made Lifetime movie that I have seen to-date! I did not know about the Elizabeth Thomas kidnapping until I read the synopsis on IMDb. So naturally I Googled her name and read a few articles about the case.
I find it absolutely disgusting how some people victim-blame in this and other similar cases? Do they have no shame? How can they just blame the poor girl and still call that vile predator the real victim? Do the math, how many fifteen year olds seduce their fifty year old teachers? I have seen the real pictures of that animal and he is fugly as hell!
He saw a girl who did not have any friends and came from a struggling, but not dysfunctional family, and he pounced on her and groomed her to the point where she accepted his offer to run away together. Especially when he threatened to kill himself (which to me is a total lie) so that she would be put on a difficult spot and give in.
And only getting twenty years for what he did? I don't care if he pleaded guilty, he should have received the right punishment. Elizabeth was dead right. He should have got thirty-eight years, one year for each day she was his captive. I hope that animal, whose vile name I refuse to right, dies on prison, of natural causes of course. I am saying this so IMDb moderators don't reject my contribution. I do not believe in violence. All I am saying he does not deserve to see the world outside of prison ever again.
My only criticism is after Beth's reunification with her family we only see her brother right till the end, and rest vanish as if they're not important!
On a final note, Summer Howell was absolutely superb in this. I am going to watch out for her for I believe she'll go big on the silver screen. I highly recommend this movie. This one gets ten stars from me.
