Missing (2023)

MISSING combines a mystery and the latest online technology in a tense screen life thriller about a young woman, June (played by Storm Reid), whose mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June sets out on a quest to find her mother, but she is hindered by international red tape and a lack of support from the authorities. With her back against the wall, June uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her mother before it’s too late. As she delves deeper into her mother’s disappearance, June’s digital sleuthing leads her down a rabbit hole of shocking revelations and unexpected twists. Her investigation raises more questions than answers, and she realises she never really knew her mother. As the clock ticks down and the odds against her mount, June must summon her courage and resourcefulness to uncover the truth about her mother’s past and bring her home safely.

The story is fast-paced and surprisingly compelling, given that the entire movie takes place on June’s computer in her home or digital devices. Storm Reid gives an impressive performance as June, desperate to find her missing mother and willing to go to extreme lengths. People aid her worldwide who offer (or are persuaded to offer) assistance via online chatrooms and social media platforms. We also get glimpses of the other characters’ lives, which helps us understand how interconnected everyone’s digital lives are today.

Missing is thought-provoking in its exploration of the dark side of technology and the potential to do good. It raises important questions about privacy, consent, and the power of social media in our lives. It is also a reminder that despite all its conveniences, technology is just a tool; it cannot replace human connection or provide genuine answers.

Missing is visually stunning and drew me in from the opening scene and kept me fully engaged until the end. It offers an enjoyable viewing experience for those who appreciate suspenseful thrillers with some tech-savvy twists. The story may not be ground-breaking and does, at times, move beyond believability, but it certainly stands out amongst other films in its genre thanks to its clever use of technology and timely message.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your local movie guide for show times.)