The real-life Elizabeth Shoaf was just 14 years old when she was abducted by Vinson Filyaw, a registered sex offender, in South Carolina. Filyaw lured Elizabeth into his car while she was walking home from school and held her captive in an underground bunker he had built in the woods. The bunker was only 6 feet long, 2 feet wide and 4 feet high, making it difficult for Elizabeth to move around or even stand up. Filyaw threatened to kill her and her family if she tried to escape or told anyone about her captivity.
During her ten days in captivity, Elizabeth tried to stay calm and cooperate with Filyaw, hoping to find a way to escape or be rescued. She managed to secretly text her mother using Filyaw's phone, but it took several days for the police to locate her. After Filyaw left the bunker to search for food, Elizabeth used a nail she had found to carve a message into the wall, "Elizabeth was here. 9/18/06." This message ultimately led to her discovery by the police.
Girl in the Bunker stars Julia Lalonde as Elizabeth and Henry Thomas as Filyaw. Lalonde gives a powerful performance as a young girl trying to stay alive while being held captive by a dangerous predator. The film also explores the impact that Elizabeth's kidnapping had on her family and the community, and the difficulties she faced in readjusting to her life after being rescued.
The movie is a thoughtful portrayal of a harrowing true story, one that highlights the resilience and strength of a young girl in the face of immense danger and fear.