Watch Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story

Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story is a heart-wrenching movie based on true events that took place in Minnesota in 1980. The movie, which was released in 2019, is directed by Jim Donovan and stars Alyson Hannigan, Howie Lai, and Daphne Hoskins. The story revolves around Mary Stauffer, a young and kind-hearted teacher who is taken captive along with her own daughter by her former student, Ming Sen Shiue. Mary had been his math teacher when he was in high school, and unbeknownst to her, had developed a fixation on her. The movie starts with Mary, now a mother of eight, and her teenage daughter Beth getting ready to leave from school. As they walk to their car, they are suddenly ambushed by Ming, who abducts them at gunpoint. The story cuts to 1975, where Mary is first introduced as a math teacher at a local high school. She is shown to be a kind and caring teacher who is always willing to help her students, including Ming. However, Ming, who is shown to be socially awkward and struggling with his grades, develops an unhealthy obsession with Mary and starts stalking her. The movie deftly switches between the present and the past, showing the events that led to Ming's obsession with Mary and his eventual kidnapping of her and Beth. The audience is also given insight into the trauma that Mary and Beth face during their captivity, and the courageous steps they take to try and escape. The performances by the lead actors are excellent, particularly Alyson Hannigan, who delivers a powerful portrayal of a mother's love and determination to protect her daughter even in the face of unimaginable horror. Howie Lai, who plays the role of Ming, deserves special mention for his chilling rendition of a man consumed by obsession and delusion. The movie also touches upon some difficult themes such as mental illness, trauma, and the resilience of the human spirit. There are moments of intense emotional turmoil that are sure to tug at the heartstrings of the audience. As Mary and Beth try to survive their ordeal, the law enforcement agencies are shown working to track down Ming, who has disappeared along with his hostages. The investigation is shown to be fraught with challenges, including missteps by the police and the difficulty of tracing the kidnapper's movements in a pre-internet era. The movie culminates in a tense and gripping finale, with the audience on the edge of their seats as Mary and Beth make one final daring attempt to escape from their captor. Overall, Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story is a well-crafted thriller that will keep the viewers engrossed throughout. The story is told with sensitivity and compassion, and the performances by the lead actors are top-notch. The movie is a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by stalkers and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. In conclusion, Abducted: The Mary Stauffer Story is a must-watch for fans of true-life crime stories and those who appreciate powerful performances and gripping storytelling.