The internet features prominently in the compelling new psychological thriller Missing from writer-directors Will Merrick and Nicholas Johnson.
The film starts in San Antonio on April 13th, 2008. As caught on video camera, a father, James (Tim Griffin), is playing with his young daughter June (Ava Lee) when a trickle of blood is seen coming from his nose. Then we’re looking at James’ medical history. Next, June’s mother Grace (Nia Long) has dismantled James’ accounts. She and June have moved to Los Angeles. James is no longer around. June (now played by Storm Reid), is 18. She lives alone and is studying. Grace has forged a promising new relationship with Kevin (Ken Leung). She’s constantly checking in on June. But June finds her mum’s protective nature overbearing.
Grace and Kevin are travelling to Colombia for a few days. Grace deposits some money in case of an emergency into June’s account. But all June wants is to party with her best friend Veena (Megan Suri). June promises to pick up Grace and Kevin at the airport when they return, but neither of them shows up. June tries to track down her mother, by she doesn’t answer her phone or respond to text messages. Then June turns to the internet to try to find her. Before long the FBI gets involved. The plot thickens as June looks for her mum’s digital footprint.
Missing showcases the remarkable power of technology and the internet. June is adept at using it. She opens many doors, which leads down a dark and twisted path. Much of the action is relayed via computer screens … with many windows open at the same time. It works in terms of the nature of this picture, being so IT-based.
Storm Reid is really strong in the lead role. She does much of the heavy lifting and becomes a super sleuth. Nia Long, too, is credible as Grace, while another key character is Joaquim de Almeida, who plays Javi, a middle-aged father in Colombia who June finds on the equivalent of Airtasker. He’s a cheap resource and ally, as June continues to look for clues as to her mother’s whereabouts.
You need to concentrate to follow all the threads in Missing because twists abound. Appearances can be deceptive. I quickly became heavily invested in the whodunnit plot. This is a smart and savvy piece of movie making, which should have particular appeal for the tech savvy.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.