Verdict:Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 5.1/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the TV Movie, Drama, Thriller genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is likely a skip if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1991, Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann enters the TV Movie genre with a narrative focused on True story of a young woman's abduction by a deranged loner that led to the largest manhunt in the history of Pennsylvania. Under the direction of Charles Correll, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from David Morse, Megan Follows, Dion Anderson. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann resonates with current cultural themes in the TV Movie space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann centers on a unique premise within the TV Movie landscape. True story of a young woman's abduction by a deranged loner that led to the largest manhunt in the history of Pennsylvania. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1991 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann (1991): with an audience rating of 5.1/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of TV Movie, Drama, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.1/10, and global collection metrics, Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1991 cinematic year.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of TV Movie, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is a TV Movie, Drama, Thriller movie that True story of a young woman's abduction by a deranged loner that led to the largest manhunt in the history of Pennsylvania....
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann has received mixed reviews with a 5.1/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of TV Movie, Drama, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is a TV Movie, Drama, Thriller movie that True story of a young woman's abduction by a deranged loner that led to the largest manhunt in the history of Pennsylvania....
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann may not be suitable for all family members as it contains TV Movie, Drama, Thriller elements. Parental guidance is recommended.
You can find streaming options and availability for Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
_**What do you do when a psycho “mountain man” apprehends you at gunpoint?**_ On May 11, 1966, a 17 year-old school girl from Shade Gap, Pennsylvania (Megan Follows), is kidnapped by some recluse hillbilly (David Morse) and forced to live in the wilds while on the run from authorities. David Soul plays an FBI agent while Dion Anderson is on hand as a Sheriff. “Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann” (1991) is a TV flick that closely follows the true story with minor alterations. It was the most-watched primetime show of the week. There are elements of "Deliverance" (1972), "First Blood" (1982) and another well-done TV movie, "Nightmare at Bittercreek” (1988). Of course it doesn’t have the budget of the first two, but that doesn’t prevent it from being a first-rate television film, realistic and compelling. After watching, be sure to check out the 27-minute interview with Peggy Ann Bradnick on Youtube done on the 50th anniversary of the harrowing abduction in 2016. (The movie itself is also available on Youtube for free). The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Los Altos Hills, California, as well as nearby Cupertino & San Jose, at the south end of San Francisco Bay. While these locations are a far cry from south-central Pennsylvania, the producers did a good job of picking a lush, hilly area as a decent stand-in for the real locations. GRADE: B
