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Action thriller

Seized (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Seized (2020) movie poster

Seized is a 2020 action thriller directed by Isaac Florentine, starring Scott Adkins as Nero, Mario Van Peebles and Matthew Garbacz. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and earned $46,191 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 57/100.

worldwide gross
$46.2K
Echo Score
57
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Seized (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 25m (85 min)
Director
Isaac Florentine
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Seized About?

The premise of Seized without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Hiding out on the Mexican coast with his son Taylor, Nero attempts to escape his past as a Special Forces operative. When Taylor is abducted and a ruthless figure named Mzamo demands retribution, Nero is forced to confront his violent past. To save his son, he must eliminate members of three rival crime syndicates, navigating a deadly landscape of bullets and betrayals. Nero’s mission is a desperate race against time, leading him toward a final confrontation and a chance to avenge Taylor.

Seized Themes & Keywords

· 21 tags
  • son
  • revenge
  • kidnapping
  • father son relationship
  • crime boss
  • cartel
  • drug cartel
  • special forces
  • mission
  • baja california
  • mexico
  • pacific ocean
+9 more
  • fight
  • gun
  • manipulation
  • tough guy
  • violence
  • weapon
  • low budget
  • one person army action
  • organized crime
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Cast & crew

Seized Cast & Characters

Scott Adkins leads the cast as Nero, with Mario Van Peebles as Mzamo and Matthew Garbacz as Taylor. Directed by Isaac Florentine; 13 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Isaac Florentine

More films directed by Isaac Florentine, best-rated first: Acts Of Vengeance, Assassin's Bullet, Hounds of War and Hellfire.

Full filmography
Ratings

Seized Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 57/100, strongest in art & craft (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).

57 /100

Seized Echo Score Breakdown

Seized delivers competent action set pieces but falls short in narrative depth and lasting impact. Critics and viewers note strong martial-arts choreography and occasional competent direction, yet the plot remains predictable and characters thinly sketched. Technical execution, including cinematography, receives modest praise, though editing inconsistencies surface. The film entertains fans seeking pure fight sequences but offers limited incentive for repeat viewings, resulting in a mixed overall impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows moments of proficient direction and clear cinematography. Reviewers highlighted well‑executed fight choreography and on‑point camera work in action sequences. However, some noted rough editing choices, such as jarring intercuts during combat. Overall, the technical aspects are solid for a modest budget, conveying a competent, if unremarkable, visual presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When evaluating character and emotion, performances are a mixed bag. Scott Adkins and Mario Van Peebles receive consistent acknowledgment for charisma and engaging presence, while supporting actors are described as amateurish. Acting is deemed adequate by many, but several critics point to flat dialogue and limited emotional depth. Consequently, the character work is acceptable but lacks the nuance needed for stronger resonance.

  • Story & Flow 48

    Story and flow are largely seen as generic and predictable. Reviewers describe the plot as a familiar rescue‑mission premise with hackneyed dialogue and limited originality. Pacing receives occasional commendation for sustaining action momentum, yet the narrative coherence suffers from clichéd beats. This results in a viewing experience that holds attention briefly but leaves little lasting narrative satisfaction.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory experience receives moderate approval, particularly for visual style during fight scenes. Cinematography is praised as on point, and the choreography delivers gritty, immersive combat. Sound design and soundtrack receive little comment, suggesting they are functional but unremarkable. Overall, the sensory components support the action focus without elevating the film beyond its straightforward genre expectations.

  • Rewatch Factor 45

    Rewatch factor appears limited; most viewers consider the film suitable for a single, fan‑focused viewing. While action enthusiasts may enjoy a repeat for the fight sequences, the generic plot and lack of memorable moments reduce incentive for subsequent watches. Consequently, the movie provides brief entertainment but does not encourage enduring appeal or frequent revisits.

Plot

Seized Plot Summary

What happens in Seized from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Former special forces agent Nero [Scott Adkins] has swapped a life of covert missions for a quieter frontier, settling on the sun-warmed shores of Rosarito Beach in Baja California with his Taylor. His wife is gone, a tragedy that hangs over their small, seaside routine as Nero tries to give his son a sense of normalcy. That fragile peace shatters in an instant when a dart finds Nero, dragging him back into a world he hoped to leave behind. He awakens to a cruel reality: his Taylor has been kidnapped, and a chilling caller taunts him with footage of his son trapped inside a truck, the exhaust line dangerously siphoning air from the cabin.

Full summary

The whole story of Seized, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Seized Box Office

Seized grossed $46,191 worldwide.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$46.2K

International
$46.2K
Videos

Seized Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Seized.

Seized - Arriving on DVD, Digital, and On Demand October 13th
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Seized?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor plays the lead role of Nero?

Cars

Cars in Seized

23 cars on screen, including the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2003 Chevrolet Cheyenne.

All 23 cars
  • 2015 Chevrolet Suburban in Seized 2015 Chevrolet Suburban Main role
  • 2003 Chevrolet Cheyenne in Seized 2003 Chevrolet Cheyenne Important role
  • 2007 Chevrolet Express in Seized 2007 Chevrolet Express Minor role
  • 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe in Seized 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe Minor role
Details

Seized Also Known As

24 alternative titles, including “시즈드” and “Seized - Gekidnapped”.

Also known as
  • 시즈드
  • Seized - Gekidnapped
  • Capturado
  • Ultimatum (French Canadian title)
  • Atrapado
  • נתפס
  • Заложник
  • 테이큰 하드체이싱
  • 倒数追魂
  • Ultimatum
  • Seized - Gekidnappt
  • Porwany
+12 more
  • Заручник
  • לכוד
  • Giải Cứu Con Tin
  • Seized - Sotto ricatto
  • キリング・マシーン
  • Pagrobtas
  • Rehin
  • 倒數追魂
  • Ugrabljen
  • Risk
  • Kényszerpályán
  • Отвлечен

Seen Seized?

FAQ

Seized FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Seized, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Seized?

Seized runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).

When was Seized released?

Seized was released on October 12, 2020.

Who directed Seized?

Seized was directed by Isaac Florentine.

More films by Isaac Florentine

Who is in the cast of Seized?

Seized stars Scott Adkins as Nero, Mario Van Peebles as Mzamo and Matthew Garbacz as Taylor, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Seized make at the box office?

Seized grossed $46,191 worldwide.

Does Seized have a post-credit scene?

No. Seized has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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