What’s Up with This Obscure Indie Thriller Climbing the Prime Video Charts?

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As a seasoned film enthusiast with a knack for seeking out hidden gems and indie productions, I was intrigued by the sudden surge of popularity for ‘Last Known Location’. Coming from a family that has had its fair share of harrowing true-crime stories, this movie struck a peculiar chord within me.

The film’s enigmatic synopsis and the fact that it is based on the Ariel Castro case piqued my curiosity. While the movie didn’t receive much critical acclaim, I was captivated by the audience reviews that highlighted its intricate plot twists and powerful performances.

Watching ‘Last Known Location’ felt like stepping into a Lifetime Channel drama, complete with the suspenseful music, eerie atmosphere, and harrowing subject matter. However, the movie managed to transcend these clichés by delving deep into the emotional journeys of its characters, particularly the three women at the heart of the story.

The film’s portrayal of their bond and resilience made for a compelling watch, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for their strength. It was a stark reminder that even in the most dire circumstances, there is always hope for survival and connection.

One thing that struck me as unusual was the high viewership on Amazon Prime. Given its grim subject matter, I initially assumed it might be a “guilty pleasure” or a movie families watch together over the holidays. But after watching the movie with my own mother (and surviving the experience), I can confidently say it’s neither.

Instead, ‘Last Known Location’ is a testament to the human spirit and the unbreakable bond that women share in adversity. It’s a film that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for your loved ones and a renewed sense of empathy for those who have endured similar ordeals.

And as for the joke, I guess you could say watching ‘Last Known Location’ with my mom was like taking a trip down Lifetime Lane – but at least we didn’t need a map to find our way back home!

At the moment, several anticipated films are holding top positions on Prime Video, including “The Fall Guy” (ranked first), a Ryan Gosling-Emily Blunt starred action rom-com with a Christmas twist; “Red One”, an action-packed comedy featuring Santa; “A Quiet Place: Day One”, a horror prequel; and “The Beekeeper”, an action film starring Jason Statham, among others.

In the seventh spot is an intriguing indie thriller titled “Last Known Location“, penned by Aimee Theresa and helmed by Danny Donnelly, a husband-wife team who also appear in the film. It appears that this relatively unheard-of movie has gained significant attention among viewers. One might wonder how it has managed to garner such popularity. So, what’s the story behind its success?

The summary of this movie’s plot goes like this: “Three distinct individuals are inexplicably abducted. As the detectives grapple to find a common thread, it appears as though these women have simply disappeared without a trace. However, as time passes, they forge an unexpected alliance that proves crucial to their continued existence.” Starring Sophia Lucia Parola, Jennifer M. Kay, Patrick Hickman, Jamie Kerezsi, and Dax Richardson.

The screenplay titled “Last Known Location” was showcased at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, held in Dubuque, Iowa, during April 2024. In an interview with the city’s Telegraph Herald on YouTube, Donnelly shared that the film is inspired by a real-life incident involving a man residing in Ohio, who imprisoned three women in his basement for numerous years without anyone in the neighborhood being aware of it.

He mentioned that his wife, Theresa, was interested in creating a movie centered around the experiences of Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus, who were kidnapped by Ariel Castro and held captive in his Cleveland home. Instead of focusing on the abductor’s psychology, she wanted to emphasize the women’s stories.

Letterboxd Reviews Insist ‘Last Known Location’ is a Good Movie to Watch with Your Mom

The film wasn’t widely reviewed by other media outlets. In fact, it’s so uncommon that Last Known Location doesn’t have a Rotten Tomatoes rating whatsoever. This is because only one critique exists, a negative one from Josh Bell of Crooked Marquee, who labels the movie as “grim trauma porn.” However, the audience reviews present a brighter image, with viewers commending Last Known Location for its unexpected plot twists, its authenticity, and the performances.

Despite the general unfavorable opinions expressed on Letterboxd, there are some recurring themes in the reviews. Many viewers found that Last Known Location had a feel reminiscent of Lifetime Channel productions, and several mentioned watching it with their mothers since it’s a type of movie moms tend to enjoy – suspenseful, crime-related thrillers that touch upon distressing events involving women.

Is this the reason behind the large number of viewers on Amazon Prime? Perhaps families bonding during holiday seasons, curled up on sofas, watching dark, tragic dramas together? Could it possibly be considered a secret indulgence, or a ‘so bad it’s good’ kind of entertainment, as some reviews on Letterboxd suggest? Or could it be a blend of both? Take a look and decide for yourself.

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2025-01-04 03:34