Netflix will release Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart worldwide on January 21, marking a return to one of the most widely followed missing-person cases in recent American history.
The Kidnapped Elizabeth Smart documentary recounts Elizabeth Smart’s nine-month abduction in 2002 and revisits the case through her own perspective, along with interviews from the people closest to the investigation.
The feature-length documentary examines the events that unfolded after Elizabeth was taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City at age fourteen. It brings together archival material, interviews with investigators, and accounts from family members who lived through the search. The film covers the emotional and psychological terrain of those months while situating the case within the intense national attention it received.
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A detailed account told in Elizabeth Smart’s own words
At the center of the Kidnapped Elizabeth Smart documentary is Elizabeth herself. The film includes her reflections on the early aftermath of her rescue and the difficulty of speaking publicly about the case. She recalls testifying at trial, recognizing that her story was already out in the world, and deciding she wanted it to be shared with intention.
Her statement reflects the documentary’s direction: a firsthand account of what happened, paired with a desire to offer clarity, context, and a sense of connection for viewers who may carry their own experiences of trauma. She hopes the film reaches survivors who need reassurance that they aren’t alone, and that families watching can find compassion for others navigating similar circumstances.
Exclusive interviews and previously unseen material
The film incorporates interviews with Elizabeth’s family and investigators, adding multiple viewpoints to a narrative long covered by national media. Archival footage and previously unreleased material broaden the historical context and trace how the case unfolded in real time.
The documentary examines the months Elizabeth spent in captivity with Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee, the ongoing search to find her, and the community response that grew around the investigation. It also covers the pressure placed on the family by the near-constant attention surrounding the case.
Elizabeth Smart’s path forward
Alongside its account of the events of 2002–2003, the documentary follows Elizabeth’s path after her rescue. The film includes her reflections on healing, on establishing ownership of her story, and on her work today as an advocate focused on safety and empowerment.
She notes that her hope for viewers mirrors her own journey: recognizing that life continues, and that meaning can be rebuilt after profound disruption.
Creative team and production
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart is directed by Benedict Sanderson and produced by Minnow Films. Claire Goodlass, Sophie Jones, and Morgan Matthews serve as executive producers, with Gabby Alexander producing.
The film is structured as a documentary feature rather than a series, offering a comprehensive view of the case within a single format.
What to expect from the release
The global premiere on January 21 brings the case back into focus more than twenty years after Elizabeth’s rescue. With new interviews and material, the Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart documentary provides a consolidated retelling that draws directly from the people involved.
Key Details: Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart Documentary
- Release date: January 21, 2026.
- Format: Documentary film.
- Director: Benedict Sanderson.
- Executive producers: Claire Goodlass, Sophie Jones, Morgan Matthews.
- Producer: Gabby Alexander.
- Production company: Minnow Films.
- Story focus: Elizabeth Smart’s 2002 abduction and nine-month captivity, told through new interviews and archival material.
The Poster
