Missing - A Movie Review

All the evidence of the kidnapping is sitting right in front of us.

Missing was found in theaters in 2023. A young woman’s mom goes missing on her vacation. Using tools that are available to her online, June discovers shocking secrets that she didn’t know about her mother.

Missing is a genius film. In a unique style of filmmaking, Missing is a suspenseful story with several twists and turns. I sat on the edge of my seat this entire film, but the conclusion was predictable becoming too easily planned for the scenario to work.

Storm Reid was incredible, carrying the film. Playing your typical teen who just wants to be treated like an adult, June has a knack for detective skills. Figuring out how to find her mother with advanced technological roots, June is one courageous young woman.

Reid embodied an immense cycle of emotions, showing how this situation has deflated her. Reid's performance ensures that the audience feels every moment of her anguish, fear, and determination.

Involving a talented cast of actors, everyone’s role is important, no matter how small they are. Nia Long, Ken Jeung, Amy Londecker, Joaquin de Almeida, and Megan Suri were all terrific. I especially like June and Grace’s (Long) interactions, showcasing that no matter the age, you will always need your mother.

Javi (Almeida) was my favorite character. You never know who you’ll find to help you in precarious situations. Helping June mainly over the phone, I like the friendship they develop.

This film is all about the distinctive style and sharp cinematography. This film delivers an innovative cinematic experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s a unique technique of filming when you’re witnessing events unfold from a computer screen.

What makes Missing distinct from other mystery thrillers is its innovative use of visual effects, all filmed from social media platforms. The film cleverly incorporates Instagram posts, Snapchat videos, and Twitter feeds to construct a narrative that is entirely based on the characters' online presence.

While my grandmother wasn’t a fan of modernized social media storytelling, it made the film more captivating. Technology has consumed our lives. Think about how technology has impacted our lives, especially when it comes to solving crimes. Missing establishes a modernized upgrade to what mystery thrillers were like fifty years ago.

Even for me, it was tiring watching everything from a computer screen, like viewing texts, FaceTime, and all the remarkable Internet research done by June. We’re invested in the world of a teenage girl’s social media life.

Let’s talk about the film’s editing because Austin Keeling and Arielle Zakowski deserve praise for their brilliant techniques. Hardly any cuts remained on computer or phone screens, there were some unique scene transitions.

My mouth hung open at several reveals. The tension steadily builds as June uncovers clues about her mother and suspects. The film expertly plays with the audience's expectations, skillfully crafting misdirections that keep viewers guessing. I wasn’t expecting some of the twists.

Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick paced the film well - until a certain point. Missing is a gripping film but in the end, the film lacked realism. Things were too good to be true. The climax is wrapped up too quickly, contrasting with the film’s necessary slow build-up. One pivotal character shouldn’t have been revealed or deserved a better setup. My friend later told me that it was a reference to the film Searching, which I have never seen.

Missing is a thrilling mystery that will have viewers sitting forward in this exciting film. Watch it on Netflix.