The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey
Entertainment • Film

Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey

Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey is a 2018 American true-crime television film directed by Jim Donovan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey is a 2018 American true-crime television film directed by Jim Donovan. Based on the real abduction of Lisa McVey in 1984, the film stars Katie Douglas, Rossif Sutherland, and David James Elliott. It premiered on Lifetime in the United States and Showcase in Canada, and later streamed on Netflix worldwide.

Premise

The film dramatizes the abduction of 17-year-old Lisa McVey, her use of reverse psychology to survive, and her struggle to be believed after returning home. It follows the investigation that connects her account to the crimes of serial killer Bobby Joe Long.

Cast and crew

Jim Donovan directed the film, with Christina Welsh as screenwriter. The cast includes Katie Douglas as Lisa McVey, Rossif Sutherland, David James Elliott, Amanda Arcuri, and Chris Owens.

Release and distribution

Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey premiered on September 30, 2018, on Lifetime in the United States and Showcase in Canada. It later became available worldwide on Netflix on June 4, 2021.

Source material

The story is based on the real-life ordeal of Lisa McVey, who was abducted in 1984 by Bobby Joe Long. The film presents the events as a true-crime account of survival and investigation.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the true story of Lisa McVey’s abduction and escape in 1984.
  • Katie Douglas portrays Lisa McVey.
  • Rossif Sutherland and David James Elliott are among the principal cast.
  • The film first aired in the United States on Lifetime and in Canada on Showcase.
  • It was later released worldwide on Netflix in June 2021.
🍁
Canadian context

The film was filmed in Canada and premiered on Showcase for Canadian audiences, making it directly relevant to Canadian television and film viewers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey about?
It is a true-crime film about Lisa McVey’s 1984 abduction, her escape, and the challenge of convincing others that her account was true.
Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Jim Donovan.
Who stars as Lisa McVey?
Katie Douglas plays Lisa McVey.
When was it released?
It premiered on September 30, 2018, on Lifetime in the United States.
Was it filmed in Canada?
Yes. The film was filmed in Canada.
Is it based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on the real abduction of Lisa McVey in 1984.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Believe_Me:_The_Abduction_of_Lisa_McVey
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, release date, cast, Canadian release, Netflix release, and filming in Canada.
  2. Apple TV Canada — https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/believe-me-the-abduction-of-lisa-mcvey/umc.cmc.7hi15zvfficml83dmw7bhyz7w
    Supports: Canadian availability and short plot description.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/br-en/title/81447496
    Supports: Film description, cast, genre, and release availability on Netflix.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/believe_me_the_abduction_of_lisa_mcvey
    Supports: Director, screenwriter, runtime, genre, cast, and synopsis.