Seized (2020)

🎬 Seized (2020)
Directed by: Isaac Florentine
Written by: Richard Lowry
Starring: Scott Adkins, Mario Van Peebles, Karlee Perez
Genre: Action | Thriller | Crime

🔥 Overview:

Seized is a high-octane action thriller starring Scott Adkins as a former special forces operative whose peaceful life is shattered when his son is kidnapped. Directed by martial arts cinema veteran Isaac Florentine, the film is a gritty, no-nonsense blend of brutal hand-to-hand combat, tactical gunfights, and a father’s relentless quest for justice.

📖 Plot Summary:

Nero (Scott Adkins) is living in seclusion in Mexico with his teenage son, Taylor, trying to move on from his dangerous past as an elite government operative. But peace is short-lived.

One day, Nero returns home to find his house ransacked and his son missing. He soon receives a call from a mysterious man named Mzamo (Mario Van Peebles), who reveals he has kidnapped Taylor. Mzamo presents Nero with a deadly ultimatum: if he wants to see his son alive again, he must complete a series of missions—killing rival crime syndicates across the region.

With a time limit and a camera strapped to his body, Nero is forced back into the world he tried to leave behind. He takes out cartel leaders, eliminates armed guards, and survives traps—all while piecing together who Mzamo really is and what he’s trying to accomplish.

As Nero battles his way through increasingly dangerous missions, he discovers that he's not just a pawn in Mzamo’s game—he’s the key to dismantling a much larger criminal network. When the final confrontation comes, Nero must use every skill he’s ever learned—not just to survive, but to save the only person he has left.

💥 Key Themes & Style:

Father’s Love & Vengeance: The emotional drive of the film comes from a father’s determination to rescue his child.
Tactical Combat: The action is fast, raw, and realistic, featuring martial arts, firearms, and military strategy.
Crime & Betrayal: The story dives into the violent world of cartels, corruption, and shifting loyalties.
Redemption: Nero's missions are not just about survival—they’re about confronting his violent past.

🎭 Main Cast Performances:

Scott Adkins delivers a commanding and intense performance, showcasing his martial arts talent and screen presence. His character is quiet, deadly, and relentless.
Mario Van Peebles is charismatic and unpredictable as the villainous Mzamo. He adds a layer of intelligence and flamboyance to the criminal mastermind role.
Karlee Perez appears as Mzamo’s partner, adding tension and ruthlessness to the story’s antagonist forces.

🎬 Direction & Cinematography:

Director Isaac Florentine brings his signature style—clean fight choreography, tight pacing, and practical effects. The action scenes are well-framed, avoiding shaky cam and letting Adkins’ physical skills shine. The film maintains a fast rhythm, with minimal downtime between explosive encounters.

📊 Reception:

While Seized didn’t receive widespread theatrical release, it was well-received by action movie fans, especially followers of Scott Adkins. It was praised for its intense action, tight storytelling, and throwback feel to classic ‘90s-style action movies. Critics noted that while the plot is familiar, it’s executed effectively and doesn’t overstay its welcome.

💬 Notable Quotes:

"You don’t want me coming for you. But I will if I have to."
"This isn’t justice. It’s survival."
"They took my son. Now I’m taking everything from them."

✅ Final Verdict:

Seized is a solid, satisfying action flick for fans of no-holds-barred thrillers. With Scott Adkins in full combat mode and Isaac Florentine’s experienced hand behind the camera, the film delivers exactly what it promises: non-stop action, clear stakes, and a father’s unstoppable rage. It may not reinvent the genre, but it executes the formula with precision and heart.