Not since "Martyrs" have I seen a 'home invasion' film of this extraordinarily baleful caliber. Hell, I'd even rank "Kidnapped" a few notches above "Martyrs" simply based on its cinematic flair and gripping tension. Needless to say, I was a bit blown away by this one...
A family of three (yuppie husband, home-makerish wife, and bitchy teenage daughter) are moving into a new upscale home that is suddenly broken into by three ski masked thugs. The intruders objective is getting the husband to empty all of the family's bank accounts. While one of the aggressors drives the husband to the ATM, wife and daughter are left at the mercy of the other two madmen who must also deal with various unexpected house guests knocking at the door and their captives willingness to escape.
"Kidnapped" is like the french film "Inside" meets Gasper Noe's "Irreversible" for the fact that the film consists of what must've been close to only a dozen visible cuts. The follow-along camera work really allows for a you-are-there feel and definitely adds some realism to the suspense and brutality the characters endure. And, when necessary, you get an occasion split-screen that shows two simultaneous events. All of the performances are effective and the end is truly grim and violent. "Kidnapped" gets my highest recommendation in a LONG while!