“The Intense True Story of ‘No One Saw Us Leave'”
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A compelling and heart-wrenching tale, ‘No One Saw Us Leave’ tells the real-life story of Tamara Trottner and Isaac Saltzman, whose abduction inspired the thrilling series. Directed and produced by Lucía Puenzo, the Mexican thriller series delves into the abduction of two children by their father in the 1960s and the mother’s relentless search for them with the help of an ex-Mossad agent. Puenzo was drawn to the poignant mix of pain and tenderness in Trottner’s memoir, ‘Nadie nos vio partir’, which served as the basis for the series.
The series, which premiered on Netflix in October 2025, left viewers intrigued by the chilling narrative and eager to learn more about the true events that inspired it. Trottner’s abduction at the age of 5, along with her brother, by their father Leo Saltzman is a harrowing tale of parental kidnapping and its traumatic aftermath. The children were uprooted from their mother for three years, moving across countries with their father while their mother, Valeria Goldberg, was left to grapple with the loss.
Leo Saltzman’s actions, depicted in the series by Alexander Varela, stemmed from his discovery of Goldberg’s affair and were fuelled by a desire for revenge through what is termed as “vicarious violence”. Trottner’s portrayal of the ordeal sheds light on the emotional impact of such abuse on children and mothers alike. Through the character of Valeria Goldberg, portrayed by Tessa Ía, the series explores themes of bravery, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Trottner’s eventual reunion with her mother, marked by community support and legal proceedings, brought a semblance of closure after years of separation. While details about Goldberg’s life post-reunion remain scarce, the series hints at her journey with Carlos, the man she had an affair with. Trottner’s unwavering strength and her dedication to sharing her family’s story through memoirs and the series serve as a testament to her resilience and courage.
In a touching Instagram post on Mother’s Day in May 2024, Trottner expressed gratitude for her mother’s unwavering love and support, highlighting the profound impact of family bonds. While her brother has chosen to stay out of the public eye, Trottner continues to share their story, creating a legacy through her writing and involvement in the series. Despite the tumultuous past, Trottner has found peace and closure, emphasising the power of forgiveness and healing in the face of adversity.