There have been countless shows produced over the years that deliver shock value, but it’s not always based on reality. Those who have had pretty sheltered lives will be baffled by the atrocities that happen in the world, and any show or movie that manages to capture the raw side of humanity so accurately is definitely worth noting. It can create an awareness campaign simply by captivating its audience with the truth. Anyone who has seen the 2015 film “Cleveland Abduction” will confirm that this movie is definitely one for the books. It has aired across the Atlantic, and there has been a mutual outrage at the horror that the women depicted in the movie had to face.

Netflix’s “Cleveland Abduction” Briefly Explained

For those who haven’t heard the news surrounding the disturbing Netflix drama, here is your explanation. Don’t worry, we’ll spare you the gory details and let you watch for yourself. In a nutshell, Cleveland Abduction is based on a true story about three women who were abducted by a malevolent man who held them in the basement of his home.

The kidnapper, Ariel Castro, lived in Tremont, Cleveland. The abductions occurred between 2002 and 2004. The victims’ real-life names were Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry, and Michelle Knight, who were 14, 16, and 21 years old respectively. Michelle was played by Tarryn Manning, whom you might be familiar with if you have ever watched “Orange Is The New Black.” Michelle was abducted first, on 23 August 2002. Next, it was Amanda Berry, played by Samantha Droke, and Gina DeJesus, played by Katie Sarife. The brutal kidnapper (played by Raymond Cruz), kept them locked in his basement until 2013 when they were discovered.

The three women had to face many years of physical and sexual abuse. The violence they endured shocked those who were present in the trial of Ariel Castro after he was arrested. All of the gory details were explained in detail, including the fact that he would rape each of them at regular intervals.

The Netflix show, “Cleveland Abduction”  has reportedly been a perfect replica, managing to accurately portray the violence they faced, and the horrendous acts that Ariel conducted. It achieves to bring out the proper amount of disgust that one should feel when exposed to such imagery.

Fans in Outrage

Marie Claire had an interview with Tarryn Manning who had said that she was apprehensive at first, but she took the role nonetheless. The interviewer asked her if she was nervous about the role because of the horrific world he would have to step into. She said, “Yes. I don’t think I have ever been so anxious or nervous in my career as an actress. But it was a different type of nerves that I truly cannot articulate.”

The fact that this story is based on actual kidnappings made the show a sudden focus point for Netflix watchers. The movie was actually released seven years before this sudden burst of horrified interest. Many people are taking to their socials to tell tales of the disturbing movie. One commenter posted on muse:

“Watching Cleveland Abduction and I’m currently deeply disturbed.” And another wrote: “Cleveland Abduction is one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever watched. There’s some sick freaks in this world.”

Eventually, the buzz was too irresistible, the lure of being horrified could not be resisted. However, people in the U.K and elsewhere have been mightily disappointed to find they are part of the world that is left out. There was one comment found on Twitter, “Why did you guys lie about Cleveland Abduction? It isn’t even there.” And another comment said, “Why is #clevelandabduction not on my #netflix?”