abducted in plain sight theories

‘Abducted In Plain Sight’ Is The Most Baffling Thing You’ll Watch & Reddit Already Has Theories

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Content warning: This article discusses child and sexual abuse. 


If you haven’t managed to watch the stranger than fiction Netflix documentary Abducted in Plain Sight, then you are one of the lucky ones.

The film is one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever seen and the internet is baffled. There is a lot happening in Abducted in Plain Sight but to put it as briefly as possible, the story relays the two kidnappings of Jan Broberg starting in 1974. Jan, who was 12-years-old at the time, was sexually abused and brainwashed by paedophile Robert Berchtold, while being drugged and convinced she was on an alien mission.

Believe me, this story keeps getting worse. Jan’s parents continued to let their daughter see Berchtold after her first kidnapping. Oh, and both the mum and dad had affairs with him simultaneously. In fact, at one point the mum admitted to being “in love” with her daughter’s abuser.

The documentary presents us with a lot of information but leaves the viewer with a whole lot of questions. Firstly: WTAF?!?! Like, no one can fathom how this took place and how little Jan’s parents did to stop it. It is so baffling, I found myself screaming at my laptop screen.

Desperate for answers, Reddit has become an endless source for theories surrounding the movie, with some shedding light on some burning questions from the show.

Here are some of Reddit’s most convincing theories:

The family being Mormons played a larger part than the documentary portrayed.

After watching Abducted in Plain Sight all I could think was that the LDS church was the perfect place for this to happen. from r/exmormon

This could explain how easily Jan believed the story of aliens.

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Another ex-Mormon said they experienced a similar childhood as the Brobergs.

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Was it all just a product of a vastly different time?

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But there was truly something wrong with the mum’s attachment to Berchtold.

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But this doesn’t mean that Berchtold isn’t pure fucking evil.

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There’s definitely much more of this story to be told, but for now I need to go have a long shower.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.