Take No Prisoners (film)

Take No Prisoners is a 2025 American documentary film co-produced by Vanity Fair Studios and P3 Media.[1] The film examines international hostage negotiations, focusing on Roger Carstens—the former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs—and his efforts to secure the release of Americans held captive overseas.[2] The documentary is based on a Vanity Fair article by Adam Ciralsky and is co-directed by Ciralsky and Subrata De.[3] Bernice King was an executive producer.[4] The film premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) in 2025.[5][6]

Overview

The film provides access to the negotiation processes and behind-the-scenes operations involved in freeing American detainees, centering its narrative on the case of Eyvin Hernandez, a Los Angeles public defender held in Venezuela at the Casa de los Sueños and his subsequent release.[7] It follows the family's and Carstens' efforts to secure his release. It explores both the emotional toll on affected families and the negotiations. Jason Rezaian, a former hostage, hosted a panel at South by Southwest to discuss the film.[5] Screen Rant interviewed the producers at SXSW.[8]

Music

The film included singer David Nail's rendition of Bruce Cockburn’s "Pacing The Cage." His performance was produced by Frank Liddell with contributions from musicians Harrison Whitford and Dustin Christensen.[9] Nathan Matthew David produced the score for the film.[10]

Reception

Peter Martin, with Screen Anarchy, found it to be emotional while centering the suffering of Eyvin's family.[11] Another reviewer also notes the emotional nature of the film and the access given to the filmmakers.[12] Several reviews found that the film balanced the politics of hostage negotiations with the personal struggle of Hernandez's family.[13][14]

Brian Tallerico wrote for RogerEbert.com that the film provides compelling behind-the-scenes look at U.S. hostage negotiations, showcasing both the emotional toll on families and the political complexities involved. However, he notes that the film hesitates to fully explore the contrast between high-powered government circles and the dire conditions of those in captivity.[7] Cody Dericks criticized Take No Prisoners for its overly flattering portrayal of the U.S. government, avoiding deeper scrutiny of its actions and the delays in recognizing Hernandez as wrongfully imprisoned.[10]

Cast

References

  1. ^ "High-profile hostage negotiations often grab headlines, but the arduous process of setting hostage Americans free has been kept secret — until now". Yahoo Entertainment. March 8, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  2. ^ Diop, Arimeta (March 6, 2025). "VF's First Feature Documentary, 'Take No Prisoners,' Opens at SXSW". Vanity Fair. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  3. ^ Morfoot, Addie (March 8, 2025). "SXSW Doc 'Take No Prisoners' Follows America's Top Hostage Negotiator in Battle to Free L.A. Public Defender From Venezuelan Prison". Variety. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  4. ^ Howard, Brooke. "Documentary backed by Bernice King on political detainees shown at SXSW". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Take No Prisoners: An Unprecedented Glimpse Into U.S. Hostage Negotiations". SXSW 2025 Schedule. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  6. ^ Drake, Grae (March 14, 2025). "Take No Prisoners Features Roger Carstens aka The Real Captain America". CBR. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  7. ^ a b "SXSW Film Festival 2025: Ghost Boy, The Secret of Me, Take No Prisoners | Festivals & Awards | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com. March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  8. ^ Crowley, Liam (March 11, 2025). "Hostage Negotiations In America Get An Emotional Look In New Documentary Take No Prisoners". ScreenRant. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  9. ^ "David Nail's "Pacing The Cage" Featured In Powerful New Vanity Fair-Produced Documentary "Take No Prisoners"". 117 Entertainment Group. March 7, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  10. ^ a b Dericks, Cody (March 8, 2025). ""TAKE NO PRISONERS" - Review". Next Best Picture. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  11. ^ "SXSW 2025 Review: TAKE NO PRISONERS, Get Our Son Out of There!". ScreenAnarchy. March 9, 2025. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  12. ^ Gallichio, Christian (March 14, 2025). "'Take No Prisoners' Review: Timely Documentary Explores The Emotional Toll Of Wrongful Detention [SXSW]". The Playlist. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  13. ^ Moore, Louisa (March 9, 2025). ""Take No Prisoners"". Screen Zealots. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  14. ^ Saito, Stephen (March 8, 2025). "Adam Ciralsky & Subrata De's "Take No Prisoners" - SXSW Review". The Moveable Fest. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
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