Exploring ‘The Accidental Getaway Driver’: A Deep Dive into a Thought-Provoking Kidnapping Tale

In 2016, three men broke free from an Orange County jail. With nowhere to turn, they hailed a cab. Long Mã, an elderly Vietnamese man and a divorced war veteran, answered the call. They kidnapped him, taking him on a frightening journey through Southern California motel rooms over a week.

The story of Mã was beautifully captured in a 2017 GQ article by Paul Kix titled “The Accidental Get Away Driver.” It highlights Mã’s bond with one of the kidnappers, Bac Duong, and the terror imposed by their leader, Hossein Nayeri. This gripping tale is now a film directed by Sing J. Lee, which leans more on emotions and mood than the usual action-packed thrills.

The movie opens with a strong sense of place. We see busy streets and the familiar sounds of Vietnamese in the air, signaling we’re in Little Saigon. Long Mã, portrayed with deep emotion by Hiep Tran Nghia, initially hesitates to pick up the ride but is convinced when Tây (played by Dustin Nguyen) offers double the fare. Once in the car, however, the trip takes a dark turn when Tây pulls a gun on him.

Lee chooses to delve into the relationship between Long and Tây during the tense moments spent together. As they hide out, they share stories and experiences. Tây looks out for Long, shielding him from the unstable Eddie (Phi Vu) and the dangerous Aden (Dali Benssalah). Aden’s bragging about his heinous acts adds a chilling layer to the story.

Michael Fernandez’s cinematography enhances the gritty nature of the film. He captures the often overlooked beauty of the setting—faces glowing under neon lights, cluttered motel rooms, and the haze of smoke in the car.

Instead of detailing the criminals’ backstories, Lee and co-writer Christopher Chen focus on Long’s emotional journey. We learn about the kidnappers through his eyes, piecing together their pasts during moments of connection with Tây and eerie monologues from Aden. Eddie remains somewhat of a mystery until a poignant news moment reveals his vulnerabilities.

The film often drifts into Long’s memories: flashes of his childhood in Vietnam, reflections on his lost family, and surreal images hinting at his past. This approach captures his inner turmoil amid external chaos, but it can feel disjointed and slow the overall flow of the story.

Ultimately, “The Accidental Getaway Driver” captures Long’s emotional state rather than focusing on the crime itself. While the film is rich in feeling, the pacing suffers at times, taking away from the intensity of the narrative. The performances from Nguyen, Benssalah, and Nghia are heart-wrenching, but the film does occasionally feel weighed down by its own artistic choices.