Is The Kidnapping Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Kidnapping is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The Kidnapping Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2017, The Kidnapping emerges as a significant entry in the Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of The last day of the first year of the young Slovak Republic is coming to an end. Unlike standard genre fare, The Kidnapping attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Mariana Čengelová-Solčanská, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Crime elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Kidnapping features a noteworthy lineup led by Rebeka Poláková. Supported by the likes of Maroš Kramár and Milan Ondrík, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Rebeka Poláková, Maroš Kramár, Milan Ondrík manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2017 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Crime space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Kidnapping is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Kidnapping follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 95 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Kidnapping resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Crime landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Kidnapping is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. The last day of the first year of the young Slovak Republic is coming to an end. Everyone is celebrating. The king of the underworld, Efendi, and the President. Only the President has nothing to celebrate. The President, who himself has trodden the path to office, refuses to appoint his clever Chalanis as Minister. The President will become uncomfortable. How to make him listen to what the President wants? The President's son is beaten up in broad daylight by an organised group and taken abroad a few months later. A young Secret Service agent, Oskar, gripped by conscience, confesses to an investigator that he took part in the abduction at the behest of his superiors...
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Kidnapping (2017) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.3/10 and strong performance metrics in the Crime categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Rebeka Poláková, Maroš Kramár, Milan Ondrík or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Kidnapping is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2017. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
The Kidnapping Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Kidnapping Budget
The estimated production budget for The Kidnapping is $1.6M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Kidnapping Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
The Kidnapping has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Crime), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Kidnapping stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2017 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kidnapping movie hit or flop?
The Kidnapping has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Kidnapping worth watching?
The Kidnapping is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Kidnapping online?
The Kidnapping may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
The last day of the first year of the young Slovak Republic is coming to an end. Everyone is celebrating. The king of the underworld, Efendi, and the President. Only the President has nothing to celebrate. The President, who himself has trodden the path to office, refuses to appoint his clever Chalanis as Minister. The President will become uncomfortable. How to make him listen to what the President wants? The President's son is beaten up in broad daylight by an organised group and taken abroad a few months later. A young Secret Service agent, Oskar, gripped by conscience, confesses to an investigator that he took part in the abduction at the behest of his superiors...