Buried Alive & Survived

Buried Alive & Survived (2024) – Survival, Courage, and a Mother’s Determination

Buried Alive & Survived, directed by Manu Boyer and released in 2024, is a gripping Lifetime thriller based on a harrowing true story. The film follows Alicia, a single mother whose life is turned upside down when her violent ex-husband Victor, newly released from prison, abducts her and literally buries her alive in a makeshift coffin. What follows is a chilling and emotional journey of resilience, courage, and maternal instinct.

The story begins with Alicia, played by Eva Marcille, trying to rebuild a safe and peaceful life for herself and her son Malcolm after escaping an abusive relationship. However, Victor (portrayed by Tyler Lepley) resurfaces, obsessed with reclaiming control over Alicia. When she refuses to reconcile, Victor takes a horrifying step—he kidnaps her and buries her in the ground, assuming she will die a slow, unseen death.

But Alicia refuses to give up. Trapped underground, suffocating and terrified, she uses every ounce of strength and willpower to survive. Her love for her son and sheer determination push her to escape the grave and fight back—not only for her own life but to protect Malcolm from the looming threat of his father.

The film delivers intense claustrophobic tension during the underground scenes. Marcille gives a standout performance, channeling both fear and fierce resolve. Her portrayal captures the emotional and physical torment of being buried alive, as well as the trauma that follows once she escapes. Tyler Lepley’s Victor is menacing and unpredictable, embodying the real terror that victims of domestic violence face even after separation. Young actor Jaeden White also brings heart to the film in his role as Malcolm, offering a sense of innocence and vulnerability that raises the stakes.

Director Manu Boyer keeps the pacing tight and the emotional tension high throughout the film. From the eerie silence of the burial sequence to the frantic chase that follows, the movie doesn’t let up. It also gives space to explore Alicia’s trauma after the escape, showing that survival isn’t just about getting out of the ground—it’s about finding the strength to keep fighting when the danger isn’t over.

While the film received mixed reviews, many praised Eva Marcille’s grounded and emotional performance. Audiences appreciated the film’s depiction of strength and survival, especially from a mother’s perspective. Some criticized aspects of the plot for being melodramatic or predictable, but others found it refreshingly intense for a television movie.

In the end, Buried Alive & Survived is more than just a survival thriller—it’s a story of empowerment. It portrays one woman’s fight against impossible odds, a terrifying ordeal that transforms her into a relentless protector. With strong performances and raw emotional storytelling, the film resonates as both a cautionary tale and a tribute to the will to survive.