Buried Alive and Survived (2024) is a gripping thriller inspired by real-life cases of survival against terrifying odds. It follows Alicia, a resilient single mother who is forced into a life-and-death struggle after her abusive ex-husband, Victor, is released from prison. The tension builds as Victor, bitter and bent on revenge, kidnaps Alicia, taking her to an isolated area where he buries her alive. This shocking event is just the beginning of Alicia’s ordeal, as she must muster all her strength and determination to break free from her grave to save her young son, Malcolm, who is left in Victor’s clutches.
Eva Marcille’s portrayal of Alicia is a highlight, with her performance capturing both the horror of being buried alive and the maternal strength that drives her to survive. The sequences of her escape are filmed with chilling realism, focusing on Alicia’s struggle for air, her desperate clawing through the dirt, and her eventual emergence—a powerful moment that symbolizes her defiance against her abuser and her fight for freedom.
Director Manu Boyer elevates the tension with an atmospheric setting, using the isolation and darkness of the night to amplify the claustrophobic terror of Alicia’s burial. Once free, Alicia’s story shifts into a high-stakes chase as she races to reach her son before Victor can do further harm. Throughout the film, Boyer uses the gloomy backdrop and suspenseful pacing to keep audiences on edge, mirroring Alicia’s journey from victim to survivor. The film emphasizes themes of resilience and courage, showing Alicia’s transformation as she overcomes trauma to protect her child.
The relationship between Alicia and Malcolm is central to the story, presenting a nuanced portrayal of a mother’s protective instincts under extreme circumstances. Marcille’s performance resonates with emotional depth, as she conveys the intense love and urgency that motivates Alicia’s every move. Tyler Lepley also delivers a chilling performance as Victor, embodying a sinister presence that adds to the psychological tension. His character is ruthless, making Alicia’s survival and fight for her son even more compelling and emotionally charged.
With its layered storytelling, Buried Alive and Survived delivers more than just suspense—it explores the psychological scars of abuse, the will to survive, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child. The film’s realistic portrayal and intense pacing make it a standout in Lifetime’s thriller lineup, leaving viewers both horrified and inspired by Alicia’s journey to reclaim her life.