Elizabeth Smart Reclaims Her Story in New Netflix Doc

Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted from her Salt Lake City home at age 14 and held captive for nine months, is sharing her story anew in the Netflix documentary "Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart." At 38, Smart expressed a desire to "have some ownership over my story" and imbue her harrowing experience with meaning and purpose. The documentary, premiering on January 21st, promises a comprehensive look at the ordeal.

The 91-minute film combines Smart's personal testimony with insights from her family, investigators, and previously unreleased archival materials. Smart's testimony at her kidnapper's trial in the past influenced her perspective on sharing her narrative, wanting it to serve a greater purpose. Her kidnapper, Brian David Mitchell, is serving a life sentence, while his wife, Wanda Barzee, has since been released.

Having dedicated years to advocating for abduction and sexual violence survivors, Smart created this documentary with them in mind. She hopes it reassures survivors they are not alone and encourages compassion and understanding from viewers. Smart also aims to convey a message of resilience, illustrating that even after immense suffering, a fulfilling life is attainable.