Elizabeth Smart, survivor of one of the most notorious kidnappings in the United States, shares her journey of overcoming trauma in the documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, arriving on Netflix in early 2026. At age 14 in 2002, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell, a street preacher her family had hired for odd jobs. For nine months, Elizabeth endured daily sexual abuse until she was rescued by police in Sandy, Utah, thanks to witnesses who recognized her. More than two decades later, the film revisits the case with graphic accuracy, but the main focus is a message of hope and the normal life the now mother of three has built.
With a remarkably positive outlook, Elizabeth states in the documentary that happy endings are possible even after deep trauma. She hopes her story shows viewers that it's possible to have a wonderful life after terrible events. Now 38, married to Scottish Matthew Gilmour, and still living in Utah, Elizabeth has turned her experience into a life purpose: changing the conversation around sexual violence and supporting other survivors. To that end, she founded an organization that offers everything from emotional support to financial assistance for medical costs and housing.
Family Life and a Legacy of Resilience
Motherhood has brought a new layer of meaning to Elizabeth's life, as she now raises her three children with a heightened awareness of safety. She is intentional about who her kids interact with and avoids sleepovers, fostering open conversations about body parts without shame. Meanwhile, her father, Ed Smart—who was briefly investigated in the case but was crucial to the rescue—continues his activism for safety laws. Her younger sister, Mary Katherine, who witnessed the kidnapping, is described by Elizabeth as her hero, a special education teacher who “keeps her grounded.”
As for the criminals, Brian David Mitchell has been serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole since 2010. Accomplice Wanda Barzee was released in 2018 but was arrested again in 2025 for violating sex offender registry terms. Elizabeth expresses disappointment at Barzee’s release, but this experience has also given her compassion for victims who live in constant fear of their abusers. In this way, her journey from kidnapping victim to survivor advocate shows a resilience that inspires, proving that normalcy—family dinners, movie nights at home, and trips to the cabin—can itself be a monumental triumph.