PIC of the Week - Abducted in Plain Sight

PIC of the Week – Abducted in Plain Sight

Article series by Ray Schillaci

Gravitas Ventures brings to DVD one of the most impactful films at the Phoenix Film Festival in 2018, the true life story of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped by a dear family friend at age 12 and 14. This is one of the most harrowing and aggravating documentaries I have seen in years. Aggravating because you cannot help but wonder how on earth this predator was able to kidnap her twice!

This is not just a sordid true-life crime drama. This documentary hits home on so many levels. It also serves as a warning to parents as well as children about predators and how they prey on their victims.

Director Skye Borgman has eerily captured the ’70s with realistic reenactments and uncomfortable interviews, bringing this horror story to vivid life. She paints a nostalgic picture of a loving family that unfortunately gets caught up in something very sick and twisted. How they were all manipulated by this so-called “dear family friend” who was in actuality a fiendish predator is a harrowing journey, and one has to wonder how they managed to relive it for this documentary.

To once again bring to life what this predator had in mind, to kidnap their 12 year-old daughter and have his way with her, and the lengths he would go to, are jaw-dropping. This documentary will anger and shock you. It may even repulse you at times. Yet, Broberg and her families’ story draws us in and keeps us watching. And, that’s a good thing, for this film is a cautionary tale for all and director Borgman and Jan Broberg’s courage should be applauded for it.

Visually, the 1080p picture is serviceable considering the way the film was shot. Reenactments sometimes are so seamless with actual footage, one cannot help but wonder which is which. But, that’s just another reason why this film is so riveting. Once again, colors and tones match the era beautifully, the ’70s.

Audio wise, we have a Dolby track that is nothing to get excited about. But, this is not a typical “Hollywood” film. The most important part is the dialogue, and that is crystal clear. No need for subtitles, although they are provided. Otherwise, this is not a film that requires a strong surround track, and it does not provide one.

The scariest part about Jan’s story is that as crazy as it sounds, as much as some may want to condemn her parents, what you don’t realize is…how common this is. The abuse by family members or close friends of families is astounding. One in ten children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. About 30% are relatives, and around 60% are close friends, babysitters, or neighbors. The honesty that Jan Broberg brings forth may be unsettling, but it is undeniably a must to watch. Just viewing the trailer is chilling: