Missing – A Tense Thriller and A Subversive Surprise

Missing is a standalone sequel to the 2018’s Searching and like its predecessor, it takes place entirely on computer screens or electronic devices emulating that of found footage. This time the story follows June (Reid) whose mother Grace (Long) goes missing while on vacation in Columbia with her newest boyfriend Kevin (Leung). Determined to find out what happened to her mom from her home in California, June attempted her own investigation using tools and resources available to her online. Outside of some small easter eggs scattered throughout, the film follows the same format and features a vaguely similar plot. In the end, it is an entirely standalone sequel with little to no connections to its predecessor other than the editors of the first film who now found themselves as directors. Nevertheless, the film is thankfully a rock-solid thriller and a worthy successor that mystery thriller fans are sure to eat it up.

Clocking in at just under 2 hours and taking place almost entirely on its leads characters computer screen, it’s amazing how engaging and fresh the film feels for the most part despite this still unconventional approach it takes with its story where not a single moment is wasted. Most of the film consists of characters learning new information as they went along yet despite some of that information comes a little fast and furious, it’s always captivating and enthralling to watch. The film does what any great mystery should do which is to keep audiences guessing through its many twists and turns and have them on the edge of their seats throughout. Offering plenty of unexpected moments and few big reveals that the filmmakers harness in an impactful way.

A key ingredient to success of Missing is the casting of the June as she solely appears in the majority of the scenes. Thankfully, Reid is perfectly cast and is more than up for the challenge that the role presented. She is the glue that holds the film together and was absolutely terrific. Audiences aren’t given much of an opportunity to witness the relationship between June and Grace early on, but despite this, Reid does a fantastic job selling their complicated relationship. Long’s Grace feel fully developed and lived in through her dialogue alone. Meanwhile, her few scenes with Reid’s June are among the best and most heartfelt in the film. Reid has constantly proved that she is one of the finest young actors currently working today and this role might just be her best yet. She also has great chemistry with the supporting cast, especially Joaquim de Almeida who adds an unexpected heart and comfort to the film as an investigator named Javi.

Missing is a fast-paced thriller but it still goes on longer than it probably needed to, slightly dragging by the end and taking leaps that defy believability. That being said, it is yet another early year surprise that will subvert expectations and leave most audiences feeling very satisfied, fans of the genre even more so. Some parallel social commentary about society’s obsession with true crime shows and podcasts tied in nicely even if it’s far from original.

At the end of the day, while Missing might be a notch below its predecessor, it is nevertheless still a well-made smart and unpredictable, fast-paced little thriller that deserves attention.

still courtesy of Sony Pictures

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Connor Carey

www.connorsmoviereviews.com/