Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey is a made-for-TV movie produced by Kevin Leeson. The movie is based on the true story of Lisa McVey, who was abducted by a serial killer named Bobby Joe Long in 1984. The movie premiered on Lifetime on September 30, 2018.
The film takes place in Tampa, Florida, where Lisa McVey, a 17-year-old girl, is abducted by Long while riding her bike home from her job at a doughnut shop. Long takes her to his apartment and holds her captive for 26 hours, where he rapes and beats her. However, Lisa manages to escape by convincing Long that she will not tell anyone about him if he lets her go. After her release, Lisa assists the police in their investigation of Long, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction.
Despite Lisa's heroic act, she is faced with skepticism and judgment from the public, who question the validity of her story. She is subjected to cruel comments and is asked to testify in court against her abuser. With the help of her therapist and a supportive detective, Lisa overcomes her trauma, and her testimony leads to Long's sentencing.
The movie stars Katie Douglas as Lisa McVey and Rossif Sutherland as Detective Larry Pinkerton. It also features a supporting cast, including David James Elliot as Bob McVey, Lisa's stepfather, and Amanda Arcuri as Lisa's best friend.
Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey is a harrowing tale of survival, bravery, and overcoming trauma. It sheds light on the injustices that survivors of violence face and underscores the importance of believing and supporting survivors.
