Which word describes something that is captivating and holds attention?

The term "engrossing" refers to something that completely captures and holds one's attention, drawing the viewer or reader in to the extent that they are fully absorbed in the experience. This word conveys a powerful sense of fascination and emotional investment, making it particularly apt for describing books, films, or activities that are highly interesting or thrilling.

In contrast, exhaustive refers to something thorough or comprehensive, which doesn’t inherently imply that it holds attention. Erratic describes something that is unpredictable or inconsistent, and erroneous means incorrect or mistaken; neither of these words carries the connotation of being captivating or engaging. Therefore, "engrossing" is the word that best captures the idea of something that captivates and holds attention.