True crime fans across the UK are reporting their jaws are on the floor after discovering a Netflix documentary that details one of the most bewildering abduction cases in recent history. The film, Abducted in Plain Sight, is captivating audiences with its series of almost unbelievable twists, chronicling the real-life kidnappings of a teenage girl in the 1970s.
A Documentary Recommendation That Stunned Reddit
The documentary came to widespread attention after a Reddit user asked the community for their top 'must-watch' documentary recommendations, seeking something mind-blowing or eye-opening. Among the many suggestions, one title consistently rose to the top, described by users as one of the 'craziest' and most shocking films available on the platform.
"Abducted in Plain Sight. Buckle up it's a wild ride," one viewer advised, a sentiment echoed by dozens of others who praised the film's relentless and shocking narrative. The consensus was clear: this is a true crime story that demands to be seen to be believed.
The Astonishing True Story of Jan Broberg
Originally released in 2017 and arriving on Netflix in 2019, Abducted in Plain Sight (also known as Forever B) is the work of filmmaker Skye Borgman. It meticulously investigates the case of Jan Broberg, a child from Idaho, USA, who was abducted not once, but twice in the 1970s by her neighbour, Robert Berchtold.
The Broberg and Berchtold families first met through their local church in 1972 in a small Idaho town. Berchtold was charming and well-liked. "He was the kind of guy that was just helpful. Everybody loved him," Jan recalls in the film. This facade of friendship allowed him to orchestrate a deeply manipulative campaign against the Broberg family.
The documentary reveals the extraordinary lengths Berchtold went to, including convincing Jan's own parents to forgive him after his first crime, only for him to kidnap their daughter a second time. In one of the most bizarre aspects of the case, he even persuaded Jan that she had been taken by aliens, showcasing the profound psychological control he exerted.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
The film has earned significant critical praise, holding a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and winning several Best Documentary awards upon its premiere. However, it is the reaction from everyday viewers that truly underscores its impact.
On social media and forums like Reddit, audiences have expressed sheer disbelief at the story's developments. "I had to rewind so many times because I couldn't believe what I heard," one user commented. Another stated, "The amount of wtf moments was insane." A further viewer summed up the experience by saying, "One of my most recommended. I think I watched about 60% of it with my jaw wide open."
Featuring interviews with Jan Broberg and her father Robert, the documentary provides a raw and personal account of the trauma they endured. It stands as a stark examination of manipulation, trust, and a crime that happened, quite literally, in plain sight.
Abducted in Plain Sight is available to stream now on Netflix for those ready to embark on what viewers are calling one of the most shocking true crime journeys available.
