Abducted Off the Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story

Abducted Off the Street: The Carlesha Gaither Story centers on Carlesha Gaither, a Philadelphia nurse who vanishes after leaving work one evening. The film follows her fight for survival as danger closes in and fear tightens its grip. She clings to hope while she quietly leaves fragments of information, hints that could steer rescuers toward her location. The tension builds as investigators and local allies scramble to trace those breadcrumbs before time runs out. Told from Carlesha's perspective, the drama stays grounded in realism, pairing intimate moments of courage with the harsh texture of an urban search operation. The result is a portrait of resilience under pressure that avoids sensationalism while showing how a community can rally around a victim.

Directed by Katie Boland from an original screenplay by Amani Walker, the 2024 TV movie stars Riele Downs in the title role with Sam Asante, Kenya Moore, Dylan Taylor and Aidan Devine in supporting parts. It premieres for television audiences.

Reception has been cautiously positive, with an audience rating of 8.5 out of 10 from four votes. Critics note the restrained portrayal of trauma and the blend of personal grit with procedural detail. The film emphasizes resilience, the power of clues, and community response in the search for a neighbor.