I think was movie was pretty good considering they had to share the terrifying 24 year story of Elizabeth Fritz in such a short amount of time. The acting was ok, and though the two eldest children should have been nearly adults, they looked 14 and 12. Perhaps to showcase the stunt of growth? Idk but my biggest disappointment was the ending. It felt rushed. I would have loved to see her mom and sisters reaction of reuniting with her vs an old flame who we are supposed to believe waited 20 years for her return on the same bike he'd been riding since the beginning of the film. I would have loved to see her reaction to the son she sent to be raised by her mom. Maybe even her mom and sisters disgust toward the father would have been great. Parts of this movie just felt lazy and the ending was the main.
183 Reviews
5.5 Stars
Foutainoflife2 March 2021
This film is inspired by the life of Elisabeth Fritzl and the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, Josef.
I knew going into this that it is not a big budget movie. This is a lifetime movie. I know that people like to hate on these simplistic made for TV films but I happen to enjoy them regardless. As long as the acting is tolerable and the storyline is decently put together. This film met my requirements.
No. It doesn't have the greatest actors but considering the subject matter they were portraying, I thought they were fairly good. The subject matter is awful but there is no need to feel as though you will be watching horror level violence or sexual assaults of an overly graphic nature. This is tame in those regards.
I personally liked the film. I found it to be a decent watch. If you like Lifetime movies, this is going to be right up your alley. If you don't care for those types of films, don't watch it.
I knew going into this that it is not a big budget movie. This is a lifetime movie. I know that people like to hate on these simplistic made for TV films but I happen to enjoy them regardless. As long as the acting is tolerable and the storyline is decently put together. This film met my requirements.
No. It doesn't have the greatest actors but considering the subject matter they were portraying, I thought they were fairly good. The subject matter is awful but there is no need to feel as though you will be watching horror level violence or sexual assaults of an overly graphic nature. This is tame in those regards.
I personally liked the film. I found it to be a decent watch. If you like Lifetime movies, this is going to be right up your alley. If you don't care for those types of films, don't watch it.
Extremely light version of truth
sarah-baldwin10 September 2021
Well done and definitely toned down for TV. I personally think people need to start making movies that actually depict the true horror of the reality we live in. Her true events were 1,000 times more horrific. It doesn't do the victims justice by making the father out to be better than he was. He is pure evil. Men like her father should be tortured every second for the rest of their life.
Based on Monster Josef Fritzl.
jennfinn4 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Girl in the Basement is loosely based on Josef Fritzl of Austria who imprisoned his 18 year old daughter Elisabeth in a basement prison for 24 years during which time she gave birth to SEVEN of his children. Three kids were raised in the basement with Elisabeth, three were raised upstairs by Josef & his wife, and one was killed by Josef a few days after his birth. I'm stating all this information because reviewer DEEDRALA said it wasn't based on a true story when in fact it most certainly is. Judd Nelson gave a chilling performance as Don, the psycho father who locks his daughter, Sara in the basement for twenty years. The movie starts with Sara sneaking out to a party with her boyfriend, her dad catches her and she's grounded for one week. Don overhears Sara telling her mom & sister that she's leaving as soon as she turns 18 so she can travel the world. We are told Don is controlling and crazy but how does he go from grounding her for sneaking out to locking her in the basement for 20 years ? The man goes from concerned dad to full on sociopath in minutes and I'm not buying it. Josef the actual monster who did this in real life showed signs long before he locked up his daughter. He served time for rape while he was married, he started raping Elisabeth when she was eleven years old, and he started building her prison three years before he locked her in there. Also in the movie Sara looks exactly the same when she leaves the bunker twenty years later, they could've at least aged her a bit. Once again LMN wanted to cash in on a tragedy but they didn't want to actually research anything.
Lesson for victims too
jdorego11 April 2021
Disagree with reviews of bad acting. All actors did quite well with what was given them. They had to summarize 20 years into a 90 minute movie so at least it moves fast and keeps you engaged.
Yes it may be a lesson for creeps to repeat this crime but it is also a lesson for the people living around it.
He may have made the basement sound proof from her and her babies screaming but I doubt that if she banged on the walls or sink that the vibrations would not be heard upstairs.
Yes it may be a lesson for creeps to repeat this crime but it is also a lesson for the people living around it.
- if a daughter had a shaky relationship with her step or real father and she disappears he likely had something to do with it
- if he spends a lot of time in the basement after the disappearance, check the basement
- if you check the basement and the size does not match up with the size of the house there are likely hidden rooms
- if you're a neighbor who sees a flashlight signal coming from the basement don't knock on the door and tell the occupant, call the cops to check it out.
He may have made the basement sound proof from her and her babies screaming but I doubt that if she banged on the walls or sink that the vibrations would not be heard upstairs.
A well told true story, ruined by horrible directing.
Top_Dawg_Critic19 April 2021
Why would they hire actress Elisabeth Röhm, to direct this film, when she's never been behind a camera before? This was such a troubling and horrific true story event, it needed professionals to tell it. The screenplay was on point, but Röhm's failure to direct her cast and scenes properly, really failed this film. Performances were adequate to decent, but that was strictly from the merits of the actors following a screenplay. Stefanie Scott's performance got better as the movie progressed, but I'm sure that was due to her getting comfortable with her character. Even Judd Nelson's performance was stale and amateurish, that with a better director, he would've shined. Had a seasoned director been involved, this could've been much more gut-wrenching and epic film. Nevertheless, it's a story that needed to be told, and I'm glad it was; It was a bold move for Lifetime to produce this. I just wish it was told in a better way. It's a generous 6/10 from me.
A potentially impactful story weakened by a mediocre deliver.
ythecreator-6140128 November 2021
The delivering through a low budget standardized package of generic tv drama prevents the implications of such events to be fully developed for its own flaws of mediocre acting, underdeveloped plot and neglected atmosphere.
Still, there's something remaining that may make the movie watchable but the disappointment that it should've been much better exists.
Still, there's something remaining that may make the movie watchable but the disappointment that it should've been much better exists.
A hard movie to watch based on the true story of Elisabeth Fritzl
damyanov-377954 March 2021
This movie is a must watch, so that people can finally wake up and see that life is not only sunshine and rainbows.
This movie tells the story in a very good way, that keeps your attention throuout the very end.
I live in Austria, so this hits even harder. If this movie/story taught me anything ... it is to not trust anyone, even your closest ones.
Always question everything.
This movie tells the story in a very good way, that keeps your attention throuout the very end.
I live in Austria, so this hits even harder. If this movie/story taught me anything ... it is to not trust anyone, even your closest ones.
Always question everything.
Knowing
tchitouniaram3 April 2022
My first time rating a Lifetime movie
jackgdemoss17 May 2021
I knew something was off the moment our main antagonist delivered his first line of dialogue. He was such an atrociously bad actor throughout the entire film that it genuinely felt like a school project at times. It wasn't until the first cut to black during a tense moment that I realized this is a Lifetime made for TV type movie. With that taken into consideration, it held my attention well enough. What trumps even the poor acting and cinematography was the method of story telling. They attempt the classic move where they show a scene from near he end of the movie and then jump back 20 years earlier, slowly building back up to that moment to continue from it. The problem is that this particular scene shows us that any attempt at escape we see throughout the first hour will be unsuccessful, killing any tension and momentum. This was based off the harrowing real story of Elisabeth Fritzl, and more justice could have been done with it in the film realm.
Hell on Earth
lynansaysingle20 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
How to begin to say how I felt after watching this movie and know that someone actually went through all of it and more. I felt pure hatred, sick with anger that this evil man did all of this this and to his own flesh and blood. This movie has been even toned down as it did not show that Sara has been getting raped by his own father since she was 11 and that is why she wanted to leave as soon as she turned 18. Unfortunately her plans failed and her worst nightmare became her reality for 24 long years. I am very sadden with disbelief that a mother did not sense or feel the horror that came upon one of her children under the same roof for years. I am exasperated, as a mother I sense the slightest discomfort my child feels. How did she not feel her child was crying out for help when she was raped as a child years before she went missing. Her passiveness can be unforgivable in my eyes.
The real Sara had 7 kids in the basement, 3 were taken to live upstairs and one died. What an extraordinary woman and a great mother.
I have seen a few movies based on true stories about captivation. It is just absolutely heartbreaking seeing unspeakable horror, it stays with you.
I saw "I know my first name is Steven", "Cleveland Abduction", and "Room". They were all unbelievable sad stories of abduction. I see some critics did not like the movie because its real and horrifying. For me movies based on true stories are made because these stories need to be told. It might make you uncomfortable seeing that bad, crazy, awful things do exist. Movies can entertain, illuminate, educate, move you and take you to different place you might never get to see, it can also make you forget for a little while.
I think this movie executed the story well. The acting is good. The only thing that probably didn't gel is the neighbor that saw the light signal from underground but didn't check it out himself. The make up to show the aging appearance of the actors as they age 20 years is not consistent. Also not a fan of the romantic ending that is used that Sara reunited with her ex. In reality, she did fall in love with someone that helped her after she was freed. I hope that wherever she is now that she finds peace and happiness. I recommend this movie.
The real Sara had 7 kids in the basement, 3 were taken to live upstairs and one died. What an extraordinary woman and a great mother.
I have seen a few movies based on true stories about captivation. It is just absolutely heartbreaking seeing unspeakable horror, it stays with you.
I saw "I know my first name is Steven", "Cleveland Abduction", and "Room". They were all unbelievable sad stories of abduction. I see some critics did not like the movie because its real and horrifying. For me movies based on true stories are made because these stories need to be told. It might make you uncomfortable seeing that bad, crazy, awful things do exist. Movies can entertain, illuminate, educate, move you and take you to different place you might never get to see, it can also make you forget for a little while.
I think this movie executed the story well. The acting is good. The only thing that probably didn't gel is the neighbor that saw the light signal from underground but didn't check it out himself. The make up to show the aging appearance of the actors as they age 20 years is not consistent. Also not a fan of the romantic ending that is used that Sara reunited with her ex. In reality, she did fall in love with someone that helped her after she was freed. I hope that wherever she is now that she finds peace and happiness. I recommend this movie.
Unpleasant yet compelling
mja581 March 2021
This did not come off like the usual Lifetime movie - my comments:
1. Nice to see Judd Nelson working, though the part of the dad is light years away from the Breakfast Club. 2. Though there was not a lot of it, the violence was shocking. 3. The dad character was completely unsympathetic. 4. The ending was satisfying, yet left a lot of questions.
1. Nice to see Judd Nelson working, though the part of the dad is light years away from the Breakfast Club. 2. Though there was not a lot of it, the violence was shocking. 3. The dad character was completely unsympathetic. 4. The ending was satisfying, yet left a lot of questions.
True story .. Failed directing .
sophimatar-8190110 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
There is no plot, no dialogue, no reactions, not even realism, even though the film is based on a true story....!!
Spoilers:
Did the director think that this is a natural scene of two children who didn't see the sun from the moment of their birth until the ages of 16 and 18 years?
Spoilers:
- For 20 years, a girl lived underground below her family's house, and even though her mother and sister lived on top of it completely (none of them thought for once during the 20 years to go down to the basement to search for their daughter! And what the excuse: fear of mice) !!!
- For bloody 20 years of AGONY, the girl did not get sick even once , she did not lose one of her teeth, she did not suffer from pain and cramps due to sleeping on the cold floor, she didn't lose the shine of her beautiful skin! , she did not lose her hairstyle!, and she even did not lose the shape of her body (Never) even though she has been pregnant four times in row!!!!
- When they went out the basement after 20 years (What a surprise) all of them in excellent physical and mental health, they went out into the sun as if nothing had happened .. Children infront of the lake play with each other normally.
Did the director think that this is a natural scene of two children who didn't see the sun from the moment of their birth until the ages of 16 and 18 years?
- And the young man (the girl's boyfriend) !!! Oh my God,
Nice to see Judd Nelson working, but story is unpleasant
mja581 March 2021
My comments on this movie:
1. This was not the typical LMN or Lifetime movie - good performances by all. 2. Shocking violence, though there was not very much. 3. Disturbing implication of incest between the father and daughter. 4. Judd Nelson's portrayal of the father seemed disturbingly real. 5. The ending took some of the edge off the movie, but left some questions.
Do not watch this if you are in a depressed mood.
1. This was not the typical LMN or Lifetime movie - good performances by all. 2. Shocking violence, though there was not very much. 3. Disturbing implication of incest between the father and daughter. 4. Judd Nelson's portrayal of the father seemed disturbingly real. 5. The ending took some of the edge off the movie, but left some questions.
Do not watch this if you are in a depressed mood.
A grotesque tale of horror brought to the screen...
paul_haakonsen14 March 2021
Right, well a lot of things could actually be said about this 2021 movie titled "Girl in the Basement" from writers Manu Boyer, Leslie Greif and Barbara Marshall.
First of all, this movie is based on the gruesome and grotesque events that transpired for 24 years in Austria. This is something that was shocking and disturbing once Josef Fritzl's secret was revealed and the captivity ended for his daughter and the children. But to me, a movie such as "Girl in the Basement" raised the question of whether something that vile and traumatizing should be made into a movie for entertainment. Is it crossing a line? And the answer to that is, of course, very individual to each and every viewer.
I sat down to watch the movie given the historic references to the actual Fritzl case and to see how director Elisabeth Röhm would handle the job of bringing such a tale of horror and abuse to life on the screen. If someone sits down to watch "Girl in the Basement" solely for the purpose of entertainment, then it is perhaps time to seek professional guidance and councelling.
Regardless, then I must say that director Elisabeth Röhm managed to turn the tragedy into a movie that actually is every bit entertaining as it is appalling. Watching this movie and knowing that it is based on true events, sort of left a foul taste in my mouth. Not because the movie was presented in a sleazy or distasteful manner or way, no, but because of the events that the movie is based upon. Sure, this movie does not portray the events to the full extend, but still...
I believe that "Girl in the Basement" is not a movie that is easily watched by just anyone in the audience, as it is a fairly psychologically harsh movie to sit through. So keep in mind what gruesome events this movie is based on.
Now, a movie such as "Girl in the Basement" is one that require some rather stalwart performances, and I must admit that I was surprised to see Judd Nelson in the role of the deranged father. And believe you me, he really carried the role quite well with a good performance - I am not condoning the actions of the father here, but merely giving praise to Judd Nelson's performance in the movie.
Being familiar with the actual case in Austria, then the living conditions as seen in the movie were not even remotely close to the cramped quarters in the subterranean dungeon of horror that the caged family was living in.
While "Girl in the Basement" is a tough movie to watch at times, then it is actually a movie that I think is something that people should sit down to watch. The events that transpired in Austria are just too grotesque and inhuman to be quietly forgotten.
My rating of "Girl in the Basement" lands on a six out of ten stars. While this is an Americanized version of the Fritzl case, and with certain events being slacked upon or changed, then there is still some importance to this horrific tale.
First of all, this movie is based on the gruesome and grotesque events that transpired for 24 years in Austria. This is something that was shocking and disturbing once Josef Fritzl's secret was revealed and the captivity ended for his daughter and the children. But to me, a movie such as "Girl in the Basement" raised the question of whether something that vile and traumatizing should be made into a movie for entertainment. Is it crossing a line? And the answer to that is, of course, very individual to each and every viewer.
I sat down to watch the movie given the historic references to the actual Fritzl case and to see how director Elisabeth Röhm would handle the job of bringing such a tale of horror and abuse to life on the screen. If someone sits down to watch "Girl in the Basement" solely for the purpose of entertainment, then it is perhaps time to seek professional guidance and councelling.
Regardless, then I must say that director Elisabeth Röhm managed to turn the tragedy into a movie that actually is every bit entertaining as it is appalling. Watching this movie and knowing that it is based on true events, sort of left a foul taste in my mouth. Not because the movie was presented in a sleazy or distasteful manner or way, no, but because of the events that the movie is based upon. Sure, this movie does not portray the events to the full extend, but still...
I believe that "Girl in the Basement" is not a movie that is easily watched by just anyone in the audience, as it is a fairly psychologically harsh movie to sit through. So keep in mind what gruesome events this movie is based on.
Now, a movie such as "Girl in the Basement" is one that require some rather stalwart performances, and I must admit that I was surprised to see Judd Nelson in the role of the deranged father. And believe you me, he really carried the role quite well with a good performance - I am not condoning the actions of the father here, but merely giving praise to Judd Nelson's performance in the movie.
Being familiar with the actual case in Austria, then the living conditions as seen in the movie were not even remotely close to the cramped quarters in the subterranean dungeon of horror that the caged family was living in.
While "Girl in the Basement" is a tough movie to watch at times, then it is actually a movie that I think is something that people should sit down to watch. The events that transpired in Austria are just too grotesque and inhuman to be quietly forgotten.
My rating of "Girl in the Basement" lands on a six out of ten stars. While this is an Americanized version of the Fritzl case, and with certain events being slacked upon or changed, then there is still some importance to this horrific tale.
Well made but unpleasant
pmtelefon28 February 2021
I've seen a bunch of Lifetime movies. I tend to have a problem with the ones that based on a true story. I don't mind spending my Saturday night with an obsessed ex-boyfriend or roommate or whatever. But when it has to do with a real person's sufferings, I get uncomfortable. That is what happened as I watched "Girl in the Basement". The movie is well made with very good performances across the board. It's just that I have a hard time trying to relax while real victims scream. Honorable mention: an apparently ageless Judd Nelson.
Girl in the Basement - Problems
krocheav6 August 2021
This rather nasty made for cable movie is a fabrication that's based on some shocking true events. A daughter held captive in the family's home cellar, and constantly assaulted by her deranged father for 25 years! (fortunately this maniac is now locked away for life) During this hideous time, she gave birth to 7 children! Problem is that while this adapted version is traumatic, there are elements of this production that don't ring true. The director Elizabeth Rohm, seemed more like a trainee or someone who only took a superficial interest in her shocking story! Essential details such as; the unfortunate girl being depicted mostly looking way too youthfully healthy for someone locked away over such a huge time span.
Her skin would have had a sickly pallor from no Sunlight (Vitamin D) and her hair would have likewise suffered - but here she looks too clean and shiny. For someone who's given birth to several children, in terrible conditions, even her body shape only changes slightly. This creates a look that's more in line with a cheap 'exploitation' movie. Also, the cheap-looking handheld camerawork doesn't help. Unfortunately, this all ends up appearing more like 'sensationalism' rather than social comment. And that's not a good look for a movie of this serious nature.
Her skin would have had a sickly pallor from no Sunlight (Vitamin D) and her hair would have likewise suffered - but here she looks too clean and shiny. For someone who's given birth to several children, in terrible conditions, even her body shape only changes slightly. This creates a look that's more in line with a cheap 'exploitation' movie. Also, the cheap-looking handheld camerawork doesn't help. Unfortunately, this all ends up appearing more like 'sensationalism' rather than social comment. And that's not a good look for a movie of this serious nature.
Shocking story but mild compared to the true horror.
paul-ayres-6078420 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Wow! This had me in tears. How this poor girl suffered at the hands of her father and how the children missed their natural childhood experiences is so upsetting. But the horror pales compared to the real story of Elizabeth Fritz.
The acting was excellent and the pace keeps the audience gripped. My only criticism is that Sarah didn't seem to age over the 24 years, or any of the other characters for that matter.
The acting was excellent and the pace keeps the audience gripped. My only criticism is that Sarah didn't seem to age over the 24 years, or any of the other characters for that matter.
Ridiculous Plot but hey it's based on true story
ankitsharma-0837129 June 2021
If I didn't knew it was based on True Story then I would've given it 1/2 because Plot is ridiculous, it sounds ridiculous, and it's hard to believe it's based on true story without knowing about it. But it happened. Actor who played the Father did a fantastic job. Overall it's just a fine movie.
Cheap Abuse of a true horror
fracturedglitter-36-43502018 May 2023
The real story of the crime of Josef Fritzl is more horrid than this cheap imitation. Here the american version, for america has no cases like this within its borders. Here the ceiling in the basement is high and room plentiful. It's still horrific but read up about the case for a true perspective on the horrors of this man.
Performance wise, it's a tv movie but better than most but still has a certain sheen to proceedings even through the dirtiness of matters. Judd is very good in the controlling role but I can't help but think, the way this is handled to sanitise for the American market cheapens the horrors from Austria.
Performance wise, it's a tv movie but better than most but still has a certain sheen to proceedings even through the dirtiness of matters. Judd is very good in the controlling role but I can't help but think, the way this is handled to sanitise for the American market cheapens the horrors from Austria.
A heartbreaking story
lanaeyles2 July 2023
This was incredibly difficult to watch at times and it's hard to believe that someone actually lived that story in real life. Heart wrenching and extremely emotional but tells the story well. I don't think the reviews do it justice on here. I will admit that if someone else had been cast to play Don it probably would have got better ratings. He obviously isn't supposed to be a likeable character but the acting was just nothing special.
Overall this is definitely worth a watch. The ending made me tear up and the song that Chris sings to her which is played throughout the film is just beautiful.
Overall this is definitely worth a watch. The ending made me tear up and the song that Chris sings to her which is played throughout the film is just beautiful.
Good film but errors
matthewvine112 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The film is harrowing and dark and so it should be for the story it portrays. However, the timeline just doesn't fit with the ages of the children. Further, the protagonist doesn't seem to age and nor do the other members of the base cast. Even after 19 years they all look the same. The acting is on the whole good and the script flows well if with some sadly wooden acting. However, all these things taken into account the emotional impost of the film is shocking. To imagine there is truth to such a tale reinforces how cruel people can be. Sad to pick these details as otherwise it would be a much better story of a true incident.
This movie change the ture details
fxjzpz6 February 2022
A girl in a basement
jfgibson7314 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Based on a true story, this movie is about a father who imprisons his daughter for 20 years. He keeps her in the basement where he abuses her, getting her pregnant numerous times. She raises her kids in this room, and they escape when the daughter needs to go to the hospital. Most of the performances were fine, but Judd Nelson really makes you hate his character. I don't usually watch Lifetime movies. This one wasn't too graphic, but in many ways more disturbing than most horror movies.
Not realistically portrayed but gripping nonetheless.
breemoria15 June 2021
The director did a poor job of portraying the timeline. Sarah & Don did not seem to age at all in 20 years. The third son looked a lot older than his older siblings. The bunker had only cement floors, and the captives seldom wore shoes as well as sometimes sleeping on bare concrete. Normal humans can't do that. Judd Nelson did a good job because I now HATE him.
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