I Know My First Name Is Steven

I Know My First Name Is Steven

Based on a TRUE STORY of a kidnapped boy who returned 7 years later

Rating

No ratings yet

Release Date

5/22/1989

Runtime

2 eps, 180 mins

Overview

In 1973, 7-year-old Steven Stayner is kidnapped by pedophile Kenneth Parnell. Under the belief that Parnell has been given legal custody of him, and that his family has moved away, he stays with Parnell for seven years, enduring repetitive sexual abuse the entire time. Finally, in 1980, when Parnell kidnaps another young boy, Steven finds a way for them both to escape and return home.

Status

Ended

Original Language

English

Budget

-

Revenue

-

Homepage

-
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How It Feels

Read from this film's synopsis, keywords and credits, and used to work out what it sits beside.

A harrowing true story of childhood kidnapping and systematic abuse that measures its power not in sensationalism but in the quiet resilience of a boy reclaiming his stolen years. The second episode's escape and reunion carries an emotional weight that honors both trauma and courage.

Mood

BleakTenseMournfulDefiant

Themes

SurvivalIdentityFamilyComing apart

Tone

Earnest

Pacing

Slow-burn

Look

NaturalisticDocumentary-like

Structure

Linear

Heads up

Child endangermentGraphic violence

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