Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini

I sometimes don't understand what viewers expect to see when the producers release a made for TV true crime film. Sherri Papini disappeared on November 2, 2016, when her husband stated she went out jogging and he found some of her belongings about a mile from her home in Redding, California. Mrs. Papini re-appeared on American Thanksgiving Day looking haggard after being dumped on the side of the road close to her home at which time she declared that she was kidnapped by two Mexican women and treated worse than a dog would be.

This story captured the hearts of millions of Americans and even broader worldwide as her story continued to spread. No doubt, the story of a white, blonde mother of two young children being kidnapped was sensationalized by the vast media coverage and Mrs. Sherri Papini was pressured into telling and re-telling her story to the authorities as well as to the press. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Papini's husband Keith, who was visibly distraught when his wife went missing and even more so with finding out first-hand what supposedly outright torture she was subjected to, he (Keith Papini) wanted to find his wife's abductors and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

It may have taken the authorities a few years to get to the bottom of the true story and actual events but not until both the government and many caring people doled out some cold hard cash to the Papini family in their (supposedly) time of need did the truth finally come to the surface. Who wouldn't sympathize with Sherri Papini's awful plight of being kidnapped and tortured?

As for those viewers who were expecting first rate actors to play the key roles, I just have to remind them that this was a low budget made for TV film which probably took less than four (4) months from start to finish to being released on the small screen. In March 2022, it was reported that DNA found on Sherri Papini's clothing matched that of an ex-boyfriend, James Reyes, who confirmed that Papini stayed with him at his residence in Southern California during the time she was allegedly kidnapped. In September 2022, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison and fined $300,000.

I thought the producers, directors and all the actors did an admirable job of representing both the series of events and Ms. Papini's subsequent prosecution. If there is any sympathy to be expected it is for her husband Keith, and his two young children whose lives have been tarnished forever because of some critical indiscretions and self-absorbed need for false fame of Sherri Papini.

I give this made for TV film a credible 6 out of 10 IMDb rating.

After watching actual footage pertaining to this case this movie was a complete let down. If anything, it makes Sherri seem weak and basic versus addressing her real mental health. Sherri seemed like a complaining kept woman who "stayed for the kids". There are options this is no longer the 60's. They also made Keith seem like a "bad" husband when relationships are complicated. I wish they portrayed Sherri for her true manipulative and narcissistic self. I couldn't even make it to the end!! Definitely not worth it! I expected more from this movie and they didn't even cut her hair like Sherri actually did!!

I was pretty excited to watch this film. Like much of America, I was fascinated by this bizarre, true story we witnessed in the news. Disappointingly this lifetime production was a. Dull retelling.

Even being based on a true story, it is typical in such films that liberties are taken, parts are exaggerated, and facts are changed. However, it seemed that this was unnecessarily done here; and worse, doing so actually took away from the story, rather than adding to it, as is usually intended.

For instance, legitimate details in the interviews and conversations we see/are all privy to online were altered, which made me question more of the film itself...and including them would've actually made the production more interesting!

I found Jamie King, the woman who portrayed Sherri, pretty dull and monotone, though she did at times capture Sherri's anxiety, deflection, and manipulative behavior.

There were a few times where some scenes were rushed or perhaps overedited, which only exacerbated viewer confusion AND boredom. It seemed apparent that this film had little-to-no cooperation from those actually involved In the ordeal. I'm sure that not many were cooperative, most especially Sherri herself, but it seemed so impersonal and amateurly crafted. There were moments where it was lightly comedic, and of course sad in theory, but even then and overall It lacked real soul. There is debate about whether or not the husband was at all aware before the conclusion of the investigation, but certainly their kids weren't; yet I found it difficult to be very sympathetic to anyone here.

The whole story/format felt rushed, and dare I say- after four+ years of that ridiculous case- even rushed to the screen. Like it felt a bit premature. I found the 1.5-hour recording of the concluding police interview online to be more intriguing than this movie of the same length. Perhaps after more time, those personally involved would be a bit more informative, thereby providing a more detailed telling, about which we could muster more understanding and compassion/empathy. Instead, I was actually ready for it to end.

I had followed the case of Sherri Papini through a true crime podcaster that I watch. The case fascinated me, that a woman would go to such lengths as what Papini did with her fake kidnapping, that I thought I must check out the movie.

Right from the start I was aware that the acting was very flat as was the story telling. I am usually a fan of Jaime King, I love her as Rose in the series Black Summer, however I really struggled to watch her portray Sherri Papini. I struggled with all the cast.

For a movie based on a true crime I was very disappointed. I hope someone else has a crack at turning this story into a film.

I'm "okay" with a bad made for tv movie. Because like, now we have a reference of a big deal simplified and dramatized in a compact 1.5 hours. It's bad, dont get me wrong... but you don't watch lifetime movies for the Oscar creds.

My issue comes down to production's irresponsible ignorance of the facts. Theres been a minimum of 5 docs about this case. We ALL KNOW she cut her hair. All her interviews were with her hair cut. ALSO the person that found her was a man, you can hear it in the 911 call. Im okay with dramatizing and taking certain liberties, but c'mon.. how does your art/HMU department overlook that? I'm just not a fan of entire projects greenlighted to have such important things overlooked. Lifetime, we know you arent quality entertainment, but why skimp on simple things?