When it comes to Lifetime movies, the first thing that comes to mind is cheesy rom-com or b-grade movies. So it was a mighty surprise when the 2015 lifetime movie, Cleveland Abduction landed on Netflix and started trending. The movie tackles a heavy subject – the Ariel Castro kidnappings in the early 2000s. The true-crime movie is based on Michelle Knight’s memoir, Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed.  

What is the plot of Cleveland Abduction on Netflix?

Cleveland Abduction on Netflix is a harrowing tale about the victims especially Michelle Knight as they endure the torture while held captive in Ariel’s house. Michelle was abducted in August 2002 after she left her cousin’s place. Michelle was only 21 years old at that time. A year later, Cristo kidnapped Amanda Berry in 2003 when she was just 17. Berry even got pregnant with Cristo’s child and gave birth while in captivity. The youngest victim was 14 years old Gina DeJesus in 2004. Berry would later escape in 2013 and alert the police. This would set off an investigation and a rescue mission that would finally liberate the victims. 

Castro was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. But he would later take his own life after just one month of imprisonment.

Who are the cast members?

• Taryn Manning 
• Raymond Cruz
• Katie Sarife
• Samantha Stoke
• Pam Grier 
• Joe Morton 
• Jane Mowder 
• Grace Ransom 

Fans’ reactions to the movie

Check the reviews

The film acquired a 52% audience score on RT and 6.7 on IMDb.

Theo Robertson thinks it’s  “A Rather Distant Feel To A Real-Life Horror Story”. Meanwhile, Areatw writes: “It’s is a fascinating watch, but almost entirely because of the story. The film itself is average at best, covering the minimum but lacking in depth and conviction.” 

The Hollywood Reporter describes it as: “It’s a sordid story of beatings, rapes, psychological terror, forced miscarriages and other details that chill the blood.” Meanwhile, Variety gives a mixed review: “Still, “Cleveland Abduction” is ugly, brutal, and hard to watch. And while that reflects the facts behind the story, just because it’s true is hardly sufficient rationale for agreeing to wallow in a tale of such agonizing cruelty.”