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Characters Characters

Natascha Kampusch

Historic
Abducted Austrian girl

Natascha Kampusch's portrayal is based on her own autobiographical account. The film aims to depict her experiences during her years of captivity as she described them.

Wolfgang Přiklopil

Historic
Natascha's abductor

Wolfgang Přiklopil's portrayal is based on available information and investigations into his actions. The film seeks to depict his behavior and the dynamics of the captivity as they were understood.

Waltraud Přiklopil

Partly historic
Wolfgang's mother

Waltraud Přiklopil's portrayal is based on limited public information. Her role is shown in the context of her son's actions, and the film depicts her limited knowledge of what was happening.

Brigitta Sirny

Historic
Natascha's mother

Brigitta Sirny's portrayal is based on her public statements and accounts of her experience searching for her daughter. The film attempts to depict her emotional journey during Natascha's captivity.

Story Story

Kidnapping

True

Natascha Kampusch was abducted on her way to school on March 2, 1998, by Wolfgang Přiklopil. This is a well-documented historical fact.

Duration of captivity

True

Kampusch was held captive for 8 years, which translates to 3096 days.

Imprisonment in a cellar

True

Kampusch was kept in a small, hidden cellar beneath Přiklopil's garage. This has been confirmed by police investigations.

Physical and psychological abuse

Probably true

Kampusch describes extensive physical and psychological abuse in her book. While the full extent may be difficult to verify, it aligns with typical patterns in kidnapping cases.

Starvation

Partly true

While Kampusch was undoubtedly malnourished at times, the movie may exaggerate the extent of starvation for dramatic effect.

Attempts to escape

Probably true

Kampusch mentions attempts to escape in her book, though the specifics might differ from the movie's portrayal.

Přiklopil's suicide

True

Přiklopil committed suicide by jumping in front of a train shortly after Kampusch escaped.

Kampusch's emotional state

Good depiction

The film captures the complex mix of fear, resignation, and resilience that Kampusch likely experienced.

Stockholm Syndrome

Average depiction

While Kampusch may have developed some coping mechanisms, the movie might oversimplify the complexities of Stockholm Syndrome.

Relationship with captor

Disputed

The exact nature of their relationship is subject to debate, with some arguing the film minimizes the power imbalance and abuse.

Police investigation

Unfortunate omission

The film largely glosses over the police investigation and public reaction, which were significant aspects of the real-life case.