Missing

Missing (2023) is a suspense thriller directed by Will Merrick and Nick Johnson, who both previously worked on Searching (2018). The film is a gripping, high-stakes mystery about a young woman, June (Storm Reid), who embarks on a search for her mother, Grace (Nia Long), after she goes missing while on vacation in Colombia. The movie unfolds entirely through screens (phones, laptops, video calls), creating an immersive, found-footage-like experience, similar to Searching, but with a fresh perspective. The story is told primarily through June's frantic attempts to track down her mother, using social media, online resources, and video calls. As she digs deeper, she uncovers unsettling secrets that suggest her mother’s disappearance may not be as straightforward as it seems. Plot and Themes The plot of Missing is both personal and global. June’s mother vanishes while traveling abroad, and the film shifts into a modern-day thriller where the protagonist must navigate the digital world to solve the mystery. Throughout the movie, June is forced to confront the complexities of technology, relationships, and trust. One of the key themes is the tension between reality and the digital world. In today’s society, where everyone is constantly connected through screens, June's journey highlights both the power and limitations of technology. The film explores how digital tools can help and hinder, providing solutions but also creating false leads and emotional disconnection. The film also touches on issues of trust and autonomy, especially in relation to how much of our lives are shared online and the extent to which we rely on others for answers. As June uses online platforms to trace her mother’s steps, she faces a constant battle of figuring out who to trust and what to believe. The Screenlife Format One of the most striking elements of Missing is its format. Much like Searching, the entire movie unfolds on the screens of devices. June’s computer, phone, social media accounts, and video calls serve as the lens through which the audience experiences the story. This screenlife format adds a level of immediacy and realism to the film, as the audience feels more like a witness to the events, piecing together the mystery alongside June. It also makes the film feel incredibly current and relatable. The movie taps into the way we rely on technology in our daily lives, using social media, maps, search engines, and even location tracking to uncover information. In a world where most of us are glued to our phones, the screenlife format amplifies the tension, making the search for answers feel more urgent and immersive. Performances Storm Reid (June) delivers a powerful performance, showcasing both vulnerability and determination. She plays a character who is emotionally raw, yet fiercely intelligent, and her sense of urgency keeps the audience invested in the mystery. Reid’s portrayal of a daughter desperate to find her mother feels grounded and believable, and her emotional range particularly in moments of doubt and fear is impressive. Nia Long plays Grace, June's missing mother, and while her screen time is limited, her character's presence is felt throughout the film. The relationship between June and Grace is central to the film’s emotional core, and Long’s portrayal provides a strong foundation for the story’s stakes. The film also features solid performances from the supporting cast, including Ava Zaria Lee, who plays another key character in the narrative. The entire cast does a great job of maintaining the tension and keeping the story moving forward, with a mix of humor and suspense to lighten the more intense moments. The Cinematic Style and Tension The screenlife format creates a unique pacing that keeps the audience constantly on edge. The film's use of quick cuts between text messages, video calls, and social media posts helps maintain the tension while moving the plot forward. The pacing is tight, with every new lead or discovery adding more layers of suspense. The film’s direction keeps you engaged as it steadily unravels a mystery that is as emotionally driven as it is thrilling. One of the most effective aspects of the film is how it builds tension through small, seemingly insignificant details like a text message from an unknown number or a sudden glitch in a video call. These moments might seem trivial in real life, but in the context of the story, they become essential clues or signs of danger. Plot Twists and Ending Without giving away spoilers, the plot of Missing builds to a series of twists that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The film plays with expectations, and just when you think you have figured out what happened to Grace, another layer is revealed, turning the investigation in a new direction. The ending is both satisfying and emotional, offering a resolution to the mystery while leaving some elements of the story open for interpretation. It strikes a balance between closure and ambiguity, forcing the audience to think critically about the events that unfolded and the choices made by the characters. Comparisons  Missing is often compared to Searching because both films use the screenlife format to tell a gripping mystery. However, while Searching focused on a father’s search for his missing daughter, Missing centers on a daughter’s search for her mother, making the emotional stakes feel different. Both films, though, are innovative in their use of technology and their approach to storytelling, creating a sense of intimacy and urgency by showing the characters' lives unfold in real-time on their screens. Both films also explore the theme of online privacy and trust, but Missing takes a more personal, sometimes darker approach, diving deeper into the complexities of relationships and the secrets we keep. Missing (2023) is a tense, well-crafted thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. With its innovative screenlife format, stellar performances, and emotionally charged narrative, it offers a fresh take on the mystery thriller genre. The film succeeds not only as a suspenseful puzzle to be solved but also as a poignant exploration of family dynamics, trust, and the dark side of our digital lives. Key Takeaways: Innovative screenlife format adds a layer of immediacy and suspense. Strong performances from Storm Reid and Nia Long drive the emotional core of the film. Tight pacing and plot twists keep viewers guessing until the end. The film explores technology's role in modern life and the complexities of relationships.