…The Kara Robinson Story (2023)

I didn’t even plan to watch this one, it just came up while I was scrolling, and the title alone made me pause. You know when a film name just feels heavy? From the jump, it had that true story chill that makes you mentally prepare for what’s coming, but I still wasn’t ready for how much it would grab me.

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The film tells the true story of Kara Robinson, a 15-year-old girl who gets kidnapped by a serial killer in broad daylight but somehow through no courage and razor-sharp awareness manages to escape and help police catch him.

Katie Douglas plays Kara, and honestly, she tries to carry the film like a pro. There was something about her performance, I mean, she doesn’t overplay the trauma but you feel every ounce of fear and determination through her expressions.

The story doesn’t rely on flashy scenes or dramatic overkill. It’s mostly tight, containing moments that make your stomach twist. Moments like the tension of being trapped, the panic disguised as calm and the little yet desperate calculations Kara makes just to stay alive. I especially admired how the film focused not just on her escape, but also on her mindset. Her intelligence became her biggest weapon as she employed it to memorize details, stay alert, and use empathy as a survival tactic. Totally blew my mind.

Also, there’s the emotional pull. The movie is heartbreaking but weirdly inspiring. The fear was real, but the resilience was what stayed with me. You’ll probably feel your chest tighten in a few scenes, not really because of what’s happening on-screen, but from realizing it actually happened to a real person.

Now, from a filmmaking perspective, it’s not perfect. Some of the editing choices felt a bit Lifetime-y (which makes sense since it’s a Lifetime production) and a few dialogue moments were a little too TV movie. But even with that, the film’s emotional honesty shines through. You can tell it’s not trying to sensationalize the story but honor it.

Also, side note, the pacing can feel a bit frustrating but the fact you have it in your subconscious that it’s a true story, your patience level will be boosted.

Rating: 7/10

I do recommend only if you're into true crime stories that actually respect the survivor and not just the shock factor. Not for younger audiences. Buttt, if you’re sensitive to stories involving kidnapping or real-life trauma, maybe brace yourself, it’s not graphic anyway but it hits.

PS: title is The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story. Runs for an hour and twenty eight minutes.