Using a relentless, in-your-face filmmaking style, Venezuelan writer-director Jonathan Jakubowicz begins his narrative with extreme close-ups -- and the rap sheets -- of a loose confederation of perpetrators who make a career of preying on the affluent and dealing drugs. On the hunt late one night, they snare a well-heeled couple, coked-up pretty boy Martin (Jean Paul Lereux) and his sulky girlfriend, Carla (Mia Maestro), a wealthy doctor's daughter who volunteers helping poor children. Reminiscent of "City of God" and "Amores Perros" in its gritty depiction of sordid, poverty-ridden streets, "Secuestro" should have solid art house potential.

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