Netflix releases the official trailer and announces that the powerful documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart will premiere globally on January 21, sharing Elizabeth’s story in her own words alongside interviews and archival footage.
Netflix has unveiled the official trailer and premiere date for Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, a gripping documentary feature that arrives January 21. The film tells the true story of one of the most widely covered missing-person cases in American history, and it does so with rare access and perspective — directly from Elizabeth Smart herself.
The documentary revisits June 5, 2002, when 14-year-old Smart was taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah. What followed became a national story, as investigators, family, and the community worked tirelessly to find answers. Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart blends archival footage, never-before-seen material, and exclusive interviews to take viewers inside the nine months she was held captive by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee.
Alongside Smart’s own first-person insight, the film explores the impact the case had on her family and the emotional strain of constant public attention. The documentary highlights the determination that helped keep Smart alive and the resilience that strengthened her in the years that followed. Two decades later, her voice drives the story forward, offering context and meaning behind events that shocked the nation.
Smart shared a statement reflecting on her decision to tell her story:
“After I was rescued, when I first got home, I did not want to talk about what happened with anyone. And when the trial finally happened, I remember sitting up on the stand, giving these answers, and feeling like there was no context around them. I remember thinking that if all of this was going to be out there anyway, I wanted it to have some meaning, and for it to serve a purpose. I wanted to have some ownership over my story. That helped me decide to share it.”
Smart also hopes the documentary reaches those who may need it most.
“There will be victims and survivors who watch this, and hope they realize they’re not alone, and that they don’t have to be ashamed of what happened to them. And I hope that people who watch this can gain compassion and understanding for other families who are going through this.”
Her message ends with a powerful reminder about hope:
“I also hope it brings comfort that there are happy endings — and that even after terrible things happen, you can still have a wonderful life.”
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart premieres globally January 21, only on Netflix.
