Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart – Review | Netflix

KIDNAPPED: ELIZABETH SMART on Netflix is a new true crime documentary feature film about the infamous kidnapping case. And yes, both Elizabeth Smart, several of her family members, and police detectives participate. A strong and important documentary made unapologetically on the terms of the victim. Read our full Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart documentary review and find it on Netflix now.

KIDNAPPED: ELIZABETH SMART is a new Netflix true crime documentary feature film. It’s one of the best productions I have watched about this case, so I highly recommend checking it out. Whatever you think you know about the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, here you get it directly from her and in her own words.

It’s not an easy documentary as Elizabeth Smart speaks very openly and candidly about what happened to her. She also talks about how it impacted her afterwards and why she is now an activist helping survivors. She is a strong and fierce person that I can’t help but admire. Both for what she overcame and how she is using her voice and experience today.

Continue reading our Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart review below. Find it on Netflix from January 21, 2026.

Nine months in Hell

Hearing Elizabeth Smart tell the story of her kidnapping, it’s obvious that the ordeal was truly nine months of hell for her. She was taken from her bedroom early in the morning on June 5, 2002. At the time, Elizabeth Smart was a 14-year-old happy girl, living with her parents and five siblings in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It would be nine months before she saw her family again, and in those months, she endured all kinds of abuse. She also traveled across many states, but never lost track of who she was and what she believed in.

With Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, the filmmaker combines archival footage and never-before-seen material to trace those awful nine months. Both from the point of view of Elizabeth Smart and her family.

Elizabeth’s captors and abusers were Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee, who we also hear more about in this Netflix true crime documentary. However, this is not their story. It’s the story of Elizabeth Smart. Not least her journey of healing and activism to help others heal.

Actual feel-good true crime

I recognize that it sounds like an oxymoron, but true crime can be feel-good when the purpose is to help victims. Both of this particular true crime kidnapping case and other survivors. From the interview with Elizabeth Smart and her sister Mary Katherine to her dad, Ed, we get to hear about the events as they experienced them.

This includes being confronted with suspicion and even disbelief. Finally, we hear from key law enforcement people, and most do not come out looking too good. Fortunately, I’m honestly pleased to say that at least one of them also acknowledges this. As is so often the case, police were fixated on a suspect and were not open to hearing about other options.

Ultimately, Elizabeth Smart was found thanks to her own family and the help of the public. It should have happened much sooner, but the police got in the way of that. As strange as it may sound, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart on Netflix is ultimately a feel-good documentary. Yes, even though it’s a true crime and features an awful case, the focus is on Elizabeth Smart surviving and even thriving.

Watch Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart on Netflix now

The documentary filmmaker behind this latest Netflix true crime production is Benedict Sanderson. He is an award-winning documentarist, and I can easily understand why. With a runtime of 91 minutes, it doesn’t run on for too long, nor does it skip ahead too quickly.

The first third or so of the documentary is about the case as covered in the press. Then we get to hear about it from Elizabeth Smart herself. All while constantly including her family members and commentary from the police officers working the case.

As a true crime documentary, this Netflix production is sharp and to the point, but it avoids all those melodramatic moments. This case is more than strong enough on its own, but that doesn’t usually keep filmmakers from cuing the violins or dialing up the emotional impact whenever possible.

For me, this is honest, heartfelt, powerful, and extremely important. Both for the Smart family and with the purpose of helping other survivors feel seen and understood.

Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is on Netflix from January 21, 2026.