Gardens of the Night is a 2008 drama film directed by Damian Harris. The movie tells the story of Leslie and Don, two teenagers who, after being kidnapped as children, endure years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their captors. Eventually, they manage to escape and find themselves living on the streets, struggling to survive.
The film opens with a young Leslie being abducted from a park by a man named Alex, who persuades her to come with him by offering her a ride home. Don is also kidnapped by Alex in a similar way. The two children are then forced to live in a run-down house, where they are subjected to a range of abuses, including physical violence, sexual assault, and starvation. Alex and his accomplice, Frank, force the children to participate in their criminal activities.
As they grow older, Leslie and Don become resigned to their fate and begin to depend on each other for support. However, when Don is taken away by the police, Leslie is left alone and forced to fend for herself. She eventually escapes with the help of a kindly bystander. They both end up on the streets and try to find a way to survive.
The film explores the complex emotions and psychological trauma experienced by survivors of child abduction and abuse. It also highlights the issue of child sex trafficking and the devastating impact it has on children's lives. The movie received critical acclaim for its raw, nuanced portrayal of the subject matter and the performances of its cast.