A desperate son, a bus full of kids, and one detective who won't hang up.
A 20 year old man takes a bus full of young children hostage in exchange for money to help his sick mother. Meanwhile a detective must over come doubt from family and co-workers while she tries to negotiate with the hostage taker.
Acting
Alaina Huffman carries the emotional weight convincingly.
Writing
Phone negotiation dialogue keeps scenes surprisingly taut.
Director
Philippe Gagnon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Despite the title, this is not based on the actual Amber Alert system naming origin—that was named after Amber Hagerman, a 1996 Texas kidnapping victim.
The 'medical debt drives crime' plot hit differently in 2016 pre-ACA stability, reflecting genuine American healthcare anxiety that aged into prescience.
CA
