"Missing"- 2023

"Missing" doesn't serve as a direct sequel to "Searching," but rather expands on the concept within what feels like an emerging Searching Cinematic Universe. The film briefly references the mystery from the successful 2018 movie in an intense early montage, immersing us in a blend of visuals and sounds, immediately setting a tense tone.

While "Searching" focuses on a father's search for his daughter entirely through screens—laptops, cell phones, surveillance footage—"Missing" follows a daughter's quest to find her mother using the same narrative structure. However, capturing lightning in a bottle twice is nearly impossible, and "Missing" lacks the novelty of its brilliantly clever predecessor. "Searching" may have initially seemed like a gimmick, but its success stemmed from its ability to resonate with audiences through its unnerving premise. John Cho's exceptional performance as a character desperately piecing together clues from his daughter's online activities resonated with audiences, instilling in us the belief that we would possess the same level of attentiveness to pursue those logical steps Cho's face was front and center throughout, leaving nowhere to hide. He conveyed every flicker of fear and hope with remarkable nuance.

The new film, created by the writing/directing duo of Nick Johnson and Will Merrick, follows the same approach as its predecessor; inspired by the storytelling of the original "Searching" team, Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian employs the same approach. It executes the impressive highwire act of the narrative but introduces a few too many twists, eventually diminishing the realism that initially made it so gripping. However, "Missing" is also more energetic in many ways, as its central character is an 18-year-old high school senior who has grown up immersed in this technology rather than a middle-aged father figuring it out as he goes along.

Storm Reid's portrayal of June, the tech-savvy protagonist, showcases her exceptional multitasking skills and mastery of the digital realm. Watching her effortlessly navigate through tabs and type away at her keyboard is akin to observing Lydia Tár conducting the Berlin Philharmonic but with FaceTime, Venmo, and Spotify. Even before her widowed mother, Grace (played by the lovely Nia Long), embarks on a vacation to Colombia with her new boyfriend, Kevin (Ken Leung), we learn a great deal about June's daily life simply by observing her switch between tabs and interact with her computer's camera, giving us glimpses into her bedroom and her real-life interactions. Reid exudes likability and charm, quickly establishing June as intelligent and witty.

However, once Grace and Kevin fail to arrive as scheduled at LAX—a moment June captures on her cellphone as she waits for them at the baggage claim—her instincts and years of online experience kick into high gear. We feel her mounting terror as she struggles to communicate with a Cartagena hotel's Spanish-speaking front desk clerk. Yet, as a resourceful problem solver, she realizes she can navigate the city remotely using Google Maps and the assistance of Javi, a Taskrabbit-like errand runner played by Joaquim de Almeida, who infuses the suspenseful scenario with warmth and humor.

With each password cracked, website visited, and email read, June uncovers more questions than answers, and "Missing" challenges our perceptions of the characters. Guessing what truly transpires becomes an enjoyable guessing game. Still, as Grace's disappearance garners national attention, it becomes evident that Johnson and Merrick have something to say about society's macabre fascination with tragedy. One significant way "Missing" has evolved from "Searching" is its inclusion of podcasters and TikTokers who analyze every minute detail of the case, forming baseless opinions and spreading conspiracy theories for their gain and fame. It's simultaneously amusing and disheartening.