I've been keeping an eye on developments in the UK and there's been a definite shift in independent film of late as a handful of writer/directors try to usher in a new perspective of what Brit flick actually stands for. The creative force behind Abducted: Kidnapped and Brutalised (David Bryant), the US release title, has delivered a taught, claustrophobic 'why-dunnit' with minimal cast, minimal locations, and a dialogue heavy script that is unsettling, threatening, and malevolently violent beneath the obvious captivity of the protagonist of the story. Clearly shot digitally it makes use of available lighting and minimal set requirements, very low budget certainly, but not without a flair and passion that many filmmakers with more of everything: more money, more equipment resources, bigger crews, and more production backing are sadly devoid of. Just goes to show what can be done with a solid script and a heap of natural talent.*SPOILERS* Chris McMahon is kidnapped on his wedding day by a gang of masked assailants, bound, gagged, beaten, and dumped into the back of a transit van before being driven away to an isolated location prior to what seems like an execution. On the journey to the place of his ultimate demise he is interrogated by two of the gang members who lay out the reasons for the abduction. Despite constant proclamation of his innocence (relating to a rape he apparently committed when he was 11 on a girl of 4)the gang members seem reluctant to believe anything but a full and frank confession fro m the man they think him to be, a bloke called Neil. How this story plays out, with beat downs, blindfolds, gags,, and the threat of death, is carefully choreographed with a final confrontation involving Chris' new wife , the kidnappers, and him - the level of expectation rises exponentially to a thrilling climax.Shot, as I said, digitally, what makes this thriller a little unusual apart from all the stuff mentioned, is the fact it is broken down into only 3 x single and very long takes, almost documentary style, as if the resultant tape is some kind of rudimentary confession evidence. It's a clever set up and the execution is very good. It isn't perfect by any stretch of imagination but neither would the filmmakers claim it to be. It is supposed to be rough and ready - it's being made by the kidnappers (1st PPOV throughout suggest another kidnapper recording the action) after all. That said however it is a very accomplished piece of storytelling and deserves a viewing. It is released in US as Abducted: Kidnapped and Abused, though I have to say the original Brit title "Victims" was much better and alluded to a wider impact - many victims (as the story finally reveals)- although I have heard that other titles are being considered including "79 Minutes" which I absolutely hate as an idea. It means nothing. There are great performances across the board from the small cast, none of whom are well known faces from cinema or TV as far as I can gather. But they all deliver on point and do both themselves and the film huge justice.So, if you're tired of the usual gangster, hooligan, zombie fare of British independent cinema and want to watch something that is unsettling rather than horrific, and is right out of left field, try Abducted: Kidnapped and Brutalised. The cover art is misleading, because it isn't brutal (not physically that is) in a Hostel or Saw kind of way that audiences seem to expect these days. And it certainly isn't a "Captivity" either - but then on the sort of low budget this film was made on it was never trying to be a reflection or homage to any of those anyways.

British director David Bryant has been a finalist in the CUT short film festival and released the indie horror DEADWOOD along with his co-directors Sebastian Smith and Richard Stiles. Now Bryant strikes out on his own armed with a camcorder and a concept that brings a new take on the recent spate of found footage films.On what should be the most memorable day of his life, his wedding day, a groom is thrown into the back of a van by masked kidnappers and subjected to a barrage of questioning from his captors seeking answers to a truly memorable day, memorable for all the wrong reasons. The entire event is recorded by the kidnappers as one continual take with the film presented as "found footage".Any aspiring film-maker will have read the advice from Robert Rodriguez to make a film with what you've got. Where as most interpret this as a camcorder, friends and a bottle of ketchup Bryant has utilised his access to talent, creativity as well as the camcorder and friends resulting in a challenging piece of film making both on technical and narrative levels. Flourishing out with the constructions of Hollywood and instead embracing the even more constricting DIY indie world VICTIMS steps beyond the coral of recent found footage films that have found themselves herded in by ghost stories and possession tales and utilises the best tool available to any film maker; originality. The constant "one take" is executed perfectly with Leighton Wise' camera work balancing perfectly between swaying disorientation and amateur style zoom and pans without ever becoming sickening and the naturally occurring sound design really sells the real life angle on events and yet seems intentional. The cast are largely undiscovered but could put professional and paid working actors to shame particularly the lead John Bocelli who carries the weight of the whole film with total believability and conviction.A kidnap drama that escalates itself with a topical subject matter solidly founded in outstanding performances and modern film making techniques VICTIMS is the solo indie debut of the British director to watch. Nolan and Edwards have led the way Bryant could be the next big name you're paying at the multiplex for.

In this gripping British mix of drama and thriller, a man is dragged into the back of a van by a couple of balaclava clad kidnappers and gets handcuffed. He's being accused of a gruesome crime that, according to them, was committed when he was a child. The shocked man, who's on his way to his wedding, keeps denying this. In real time, we get to witness the ordeal he goes through. Finally, the shocking truth is revealed.Victims is a film that grabs you by the throat from the very first instant and regularly hits you like a sledge hammer. It's presented from the perspective of one of the hijackers, who's filming everything – more or less in the vein of films like The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield and REC. Victims, however, is completely unlike any of those pictures. Victims first and foremost is an intense, grisly realistic, mind-blowing psychological drama that explores the darkest caverns of human nature – on both sides. What makes it extra compelling and atypical is that it has a twist: about halfway, the story takes a very surprising turn. When that occurred, I almost fell off my seat! (I was already sitting on the edge of it.) The fact that this film was made with a minimum of means, no big names and a very small crew goes to show that you don't necessarily need a mega budget, major stars or hundreds of crew members to make a solid, memorable film. Director David Bryant and his people prove that when you're creative and resourceful, you can establish the most amazing things. Having talent helps, too, of course – and that's what these makers have in abundance.If you want to see something truly different for a change and are open to the subject matter, watch Victims. I'm confident you'll find it refreshing.

From the start Victims draws you into a dark question about truth, sowing a seed of doubt in the mind of the watcher. John Bocelli plays the part of the "victim", wrongly accused, very well, unwavering throughout most of the film leading the watcher to question the validity of the kidnapping. The way the film has been shot – in one continuous take leads you along with the story nicely, building up the suspense as to what will happen when they reach their destination. The confrontation between Nina Millns and John Bocelli is very well acted and asks the question – what would you do? How would you react? All through the film the cold calm exterior of Sarah Coyle, the kidnapper, holds except for one brief interaction with Nina Millns, showing us a glimpse of humanity under the detached persona. The final confrontation between Sharon Lawrence, Bradley Cole and John Bocelli allows us to see the true "victims" in this piece and is done with feeling and depth. The whole story carries you along easily from the first shot - preparing the camera - to the final scene - as the van doors close. Victims is a film that makes you ask questions about human nature – justice and injustice. How would you handle it?