Netflix is arguably the best streaming service for thriller fans, not just for churning out new titles every month but also for acquiring movies from other networks. Viewers clearly love this type of content, as these additions often creep into the top 10 list shortly after they’ve landed.
Most recently, the streamer added Tom Felton’s “Some Other Woman,” and now we have another similarly toned thriller, “Taken in Plain Sight.” While its title may not be the most creative (and it’s arguably less compelling than the former psychological drama set on a secluded island), “Taken in Plain Sight” features signature thriller tropes that genre fans can’t seem to resist, me included.
“Taken in Plain Sight” was added to Netflix U.S. on October 15 and has since claimed the No. 8 spot in the top 10 list. While it’s unlikely to overtake franchise hits like “Maze Runner” or even get close to No. 1, there’s a good chance it’ll remain trending for some time given its hooky premise.
Originally a Lifetime exclusive, the movie follows a mother who takes matters into her own hands to find her daughter’s abductor after the police dismiss her claims. Here’s everything you need to know before adding this mystery thriller to your watchlist.
What is ‘Taken in Plain Sight’ about?
Abby (Tennille Read) and her daughter Zooey (KJ Romani) are on a road trip when, in a momentary lapse, Abby leaves her purse unattended in a restroom, giving Zooey the chance to pick a snack. As she returns, Zooey is missing.
After months of relentless searching, she becomes convinced she’s finally identified Zooey’s abductor but law enforcement dismisses her claims, seeing only grief and obsession. Determined not to wait on authorities, Abby takes bold and risky action, following leads and challenge her own doubts.
As she digs deeper, she uncovers a darker, more twisted truth, forcing her to confront not just her fears but how far she’s willing to go to bring her child home.
Should you stream ‘Taken in Plain Sight’ on Netflix?
If you're in the mood for a straightforward, no-frills thriller, “Taken in Plain Sight” might be worth a watch. It’s essentially a thriller version of the typical Hallmark movies that might randomly pop up on TV, and although it’s nothing special (certainly not in the same intense vein as the “Taken” movies), it’s designed to be simple viewing.
“Taken in Plain Sight” is a story you’ve probably seen before in countless other thrillers. A mother becomes determined to find her kidnapped daughter, but powerful figures in her town refuse to believe her claims about a suspect. So, naturally, she conducts her own investigation and ends up entangled with some shady people. Lifetime movies of this nature are usually fast-paced, emotionally direct, and formulaic in a comforting way.
Not to mention, these types of thrillers include plenty of twists and turns to keep you watching until the end. Director Cat Hostick clearly knows how to build tension, even when you can almost guess every plot point.
“Taken in Plain Sight” doesn’t have a Rotten Tomatoes score, likely due to minimal marketing when it premiered on Lifetime in 2024, but user reactions give a sense of how it’s been received. Opinions are mixed: some found it watchable, noting, “It's OK. Nothing really new here. You've seen this plot before. Basically, a Hallmark TV movie. Compelling enough, however, to keep me watching until the end.”
Others were less forgiving: “Horrible movie. Wasted 90 minutes.” And some criticized its pacing and character work: “This movie is a slow burn to a twist ending you won’t care about. The plot drags, the characters are uninspired, and the climax isn’t captivating. This film isn’t fit for background noise, and Lifetimers should skip it.”
This mystery thriller is definitely not high-quality, and even the acting feels incredibly forced. But as I mentioned before, it’s meant to be straightforward, easy viewing. Clearly, Netflix subscribers are finding something to enjoy here, even if it’s a mash-up of other popular thrillers.
If you’re looking for an easy thriller to have on in the background, “Taken in Plain Sight” on Netflix probably fits the bill. That said, I’d recommend checking out these Netflix thrillers with twists if you want something truly engaging.
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