Film’s Call to Action Echoes Silent Victims’ Screams

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Girl in the Backseat
–

Genre: Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 24m
Director(s): Nick Laurant
Writer(s): Chris Marrone, Kika Magalhães
Cast: Kika Magalhães, Chris Marrone, Jasmine Akakpo, Helen Day, Travis Quentin
Where To Watch: premieres July 1, 2023, at Dances with Film; tickets available here www.danceswithfilms.com; learn more about the film here www.instagram.com

RAVING REVIEW: Take your seat and hold on tight as we navigate the stormy seas of THE GIRL IN THE BACKSEAT, a cinematic call to action that dives into the harrowing abyss of human trafficking. This film bravely shines its spotlight on a topic most would prefer to remain in the shadows, jolting audiences out of their comfort zone. While the film's story has a few hurdles, the emphasis, and importance of the film shine brightly!

An immigrant Sofia (Kika Magalhães), becomes the focal point of this chilling narrative. Deceitfully swept away from her humble life and into a terror-filled existence, she finds her life forever changed. Ryan (Chris Marrone), her unyielding captor, is a formidable figure who carries out his grim mission with cold determination. He aims to transport Sofia to the evil puppeteer of a vast trafficking network.

Our story unravels as Sofia is forcefully uprooted from the familiar streets of Los Angeles. A gripping journey across state lines awaits her. Despite Sofia's repeated pleas and attempts to escape, her captor remains unmoved. With this seemingly impossible challenge, Sofia uses her resourcefulness and mental strength to keep her hope alive. This journey with struggles throughout will genuinely hold your investment in the narrative, even with a few bumps that detract from the larger picture.

The plot thickens when Sofia crosses paths with Bella, another captive of this unforgiving network. In their grim predicament, Bella's presence brings a sense of companionship, offering a glimmer of comfort on the intense journey to their final destination. Bella's unyielding hope becomes a beacon in the dark, but Sofia is oblivious to the strain of this journey on Bella's fragile psyche.

This narrative isn't just about Sofia and Bella; it is a powerful device that broadcasts the silent screams of countless victims entangled in the global web of human trafficking. THE GIRL IN THE BACKSEAT throws audiences into their turbulent journey, laying bare the strength and resilience it takes to survive in this hidden underworld.

Within the confines of their transport, Sofia quickly learns that physical force is futile against Ryan's firm hold. Survival hinges on her wits and psychological prowess in this cat-and-mouse high-stakes game. The film's gritty depiction of Sofia and Bella's plight offers an uncompromising look at the realities of human trafficking. THE GIRL IN THE BACKSEAT paints a grim picture of a world where people are reduced to mere tokens in a vile game controlled by these larger-than-life figures of evil.

THE GIRL IN THE BACKSEAT pushes viewers to confront the everyday horrors that individuals trapped in this inhumane industry face. Based on a combination of real-life stories, it jolts audiences into acknowledging the dark side of society and prompts them to ponder possible ways to uproot such detestable networks.

Although the storyline is captivating, the film could have further expanded on victim prevention and recovery. These elements would add depth to the narrative, creating a more holistic picture of the issue. Nonetheless, the film's strength lies in its raw and compelling depiction of a pressing global problem. I realize this is a work of fiction, a drama, not a documentary, but I still would have liked to have seen more. Kika Magalhães steals the screen with her genuine portrayal, and you will find yourself rooting for her at every turn.

THE GIRL IN THE BACKSEAT is a journey you will remember. It provokes emotions, sparks discussion, and calls for action. It's not just a film but a wake-up call, demonstrating the power of cinema to throw light on the darkest corners of our world and inspire change. The cinematic exploration of this tragic tale is an unforgettable voyage, inviting audiences to observe and engage with a horrifying reality hidden in plain sight.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of CALICO PICTURES]