# Amber Alert (film)

Amber Alert is a 2024 American thriller film directed by Kerry Bellessa and co-written by Bellessa and Joshua Oram. The film stars Hayden Panettiere and Tyler James Williams as two ordinary citizens who become embroiled in a high-stakes pursuit after receiving an AMBER Alert about a child abduction. A remake of Bellessa’s 2012 found-footage film of the same name, Amber Alert was released in select theaters and on demand on September 27, 2024, by Lionsgate Films. It explores themes of civilian intervention, moral responsibility, and the urgency of the AMBER Alert system.

## Plot

In Louisville, Kentucky, seven-year-old Charlotte Bryce is abducted from a park while playing hide-and-seek with her brother. Her mother, Monica Bryce, captures partial footage of the abduction, showing a black Toyota Camry, and contacts 911. Dispatcher Cici convinces Sergeant Phil Casey to issue an AMBER Alert despite lacking a license plate number.
Meanwhile, Jacqueline "Jaq", late for an appointment, convinces off-duty rideshare driver Shane to take her as a passenger. Both receive the AMBER Alert on their phones and soon spot a vehicle matching the description. Initially hesitant, Shane agrees to follow the car at Jaq’s urging. At a gas station, Jaq confirms the presence of a child in the backseat, heightening their suspicions.
The pursuit intensifies as the driver, Aaron, attempts to mislead authorities by calling in a false license plate number. Jaq and Shane persist, eventually tracking Aaron to an isolated location where Charlotte is held captive. After a tense confrontation, they rescue Charlotte, though Jaq sustains injuries. The film concludes with Aaron being gunned down by a police officer and Charlotte being reunited with her mother.

## Cast

* Hayden Panettiere as Jacqueline "Jaq"
* Tyler James Williams as Shane
* Saidah Arrika Ekulona as Cici, the 911 dispatcher
* Kevin Dunn as Sgt. Phil Casey
* Monica Bryce as Charlotte’s mother (uncredited)
* Kurt Oberhaus as Aaron
* Katie McClellan as Monica
* Ducky Cash as Charlotte Bryce
* Claire Slemmer as Gail
* Dinora Walcott as Shannon

## Production

Amber Alert is a remake of a 2012 found-footage film directed by Kerry Bellessa, who returned to helm the 2024 version with a larger budget and traditional narrative style. Bellessa has stated that the story was inspired by a real-life experience when he and his wife encountered an active AMBER Alert while driving, prompting him to explore the concept of civilian response to such emergencies.
Principal photography took place in Louisville, Kentucky, with cinematography by Luka Bazeli, incorporating drone shots to emphasize the chase sequences. The production aimed to highlight the AMBER Alert system’s impact, concluding with title cards detailing its history and success in recovering abducted children.

## Release

Amber Alert premiered as a limited theatrical release in the United States on September 27, 2024, alongside a simultaneous on-demand launch by Lionsgate Films. It later became available for streaming on Hulu.The film is rated PG-13 for violent content, disturbing images, thematic material, and language.

## Reception

Amber Alert received a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 63% approval rating from critics based on 16 reviews, with an average audience score of 58% from over 100 ratings.
Sheila O'Malley of Roger Ebert.com commented that the film's climax felt formulaic, stating, "The overall feeling is not true peril but obligatory checking off the 'thriller' boxes." also noted that while the film functions as a thriller, its attempts to deliver a broader message about the AMBER Alert system feel forced. Tyler Nichols of JoBlo.com highlighted the chemistry between the leads and the film’s intent but criticized its dated narrative choices. Grant Hermanns from Screen Rant noted the film's predictability but praised the lead performances, mentioning, "While the movie may never fully overcome its feeling of familiarity, Panettiere and Williams' performances truly ground us throughout the tense ride."
Audience reactions varied, with some appreciating the suspense and others finding the plot implausible, particularly the lack of police involvement during the chase.