User Reviews

Compelling story of a teenager's struggle to come back to life and full functioning after an attacker leaves her for dead in the woods.

I identified with Ashley because I, too, was attacked in a woodland at age 17, but my struggle to recover has been mostly psychological, while this film's protagonist was left vegetative with likely only hours to live.

Ultimately able to see the glass as half-full, "I've survived this," Ashley says. "I'm ready for whatever they throw my way." You go, girl!!

Which isn't to say that this movie sugar-coats the truth. We watch as our heroine's hope and determination flag, but, with good people around for encouragement and listening, Ashley takes things a step at a time.

I liked how Ashley's mother and friend didn't hold back from questioning the judgment that got Ashley hurt. That's real.

"I made a mistake, but I didn't deserve this," Ashley points out.

True, but life is unfair. Let's keep our eyes peeled for danger, and stay safe.

"Left for Dead" recounts the horrifying true story of Ashley Reeves, who was left partially buried in a forest after she had been strangled. Miraculously, she survived to tell her story.

The thoughtful screenplay focuses on the rehab program of Ashley in which she struggles to regain her speech and the ability to walk after her traumatic ordeal in which her neck was broken by Sam Shelton. At the time, she was 17, and he was 26. The past story of her illicit involvement with Sam was downplayed as the filmmakers addressed primarily the young woman's resilience and tenacity during recovery.

The two exceptional performances were those of the actresses playing Ashley and her mother, who provided the space and the motivation for Ashley during rehab. There was a strong supporting cast with the performers playing Aunt Cathy; the devoted father; the sensitive detective who chipped in to buy Ashley a music player; and Ashley's long-suffering boyfriend Danny, whose engagement ring is unceremoniously returned to him as part of Ashley's goal of "moving forward." Nothing will get in the way of this girl's rehab!

The modest closing courtroom scene allowed Ashley the opportunity for a testimonial in confronting her perpetrator prior to his sentencing. In a plea deal for attempted murder, Sam was given twenty years to contemplate his actions while wearing his orange jumpsuit. At the same time, Ashley leaves the court with her head held high and her spirit unbroken. She is a survivor, who is today a loving caregiver in Illinois.