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Michael Douglas Shines in Underrated 2001 Kidnapping Thriller 'Don't Say a Word'
19 Oct
Summary
- Michael Douglas stars as a child psychiatrist blackmailed to retrieve intel
- Brittany Murphy delivers a compelling performance as a troubled teen patient
- Famke Janssen and Jennifer Esposito play key supporting roles as badass women

On 2025-10-19T12:15:56+00:00, Netflix added the 2001 thriller 'Don't Say a Word' to its streaming library. The film, directed by Gary Fleder, was initially met with mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following as an underrated gem.
Michael Douglas stars as Nathan Conrad, a child psychiatrist who is blackmailed by thieves to retrieve valuable intel from one of his latest patients. Despite criticism of the film's by-the-numbers plot, Douglas' performance as an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances elevates the material. His transition from worried parent to unlikely hero is a natural progression as he fights to protect his kidnapped daughter.
The late Brittany Murphy delivers a standout performance as Elisabeth Burrows, the troubled teen under Nathan's care. The kidnappers believe she is faking her mental illness to hide the location of a valuable gem, leading to a compelling cat-and-mouse game. Famke Janssen and Jennifer Esposito also shine in key supporting roles as Aggie Conrad and Sandra Cassidy, respectively - two badass women who play crucial parts in the story.
Veteran actor Sean Bean portrays the villainous Patrick Koster, a vengeful jewel thief willing to go to extreme lengths to get what he wants. His intense and menacing performance makes him a formidable antagonist.
Overall, 'Don't Say a Word' may not have received the acclaim it deserved upon its initial release, but it remains a well-crafted and thrilling addition to Netflix's library.