Missing (2023)—Movie Review
If I were teaching a course on cyberstalking, I would most definitely use this movie as a case study because, whaaaaattt!
This movie is filled with a lot of plot twists and turns. One minute you think you have figured it out, and the next, you are screaming, “What is happening?" *focused but still confused* in an odd but interesting way.
This movie is 1 hour and 53 minutes long, and take it from someone who has seen it—it is definitely not a waste of time. I will rate the entire movie based on characters, storyline, authenticity, and editing.
- Character: Let’s start with my favorite character in this movie, June (played by Storm Reid). Her character embodies my definition of what Gen Z stands for: smart, assertive, resourceful, and highly tech-savvy (no coding skills involved, just plain savviness). Watching how she tracks locations, behavioral patterns, and motives using just Google and basic information from social media shows that social media is real life. Don’t joke about your digital foot print; clean it up if its dirty. Then there’s Javi (played by Joaquim de Almeida). His character will make you realize that there are still genuinely good people in this world. People who would come to your aid not because they want something in return but because they care, although I think he was paid for some of his services. The actors in this movie embodied their characters effortlessly, and I would rate that a 8/10.
- Storyline & Authenticity: Can this movie be a real-life story? Absolutely, 100% YES. Unlike sci-fi movies with unrealistic elements, every piece of technology, tool, and resource used in this movie are basic things you would find in your home as a student. This movie scores a 10/10 for story and authenticity.
- Editing: When this movie started, I initially thought I was watching a YouTube vlog. It felt real and authentic. The camera and video quality of this movie tie back to the originality of the movie being 100% authentic. So, 8/10.
Lessons Learned: Be honest with your family about your past and present situation. Surround yourself with those who will support and believe in you throughout. You will need it.
In this movie, you see how strenuous certain relationships between parent and child can be (spoilers). June was led to believe that her father was dead; however, her father was alive and well but separated from the family due to his violent past in the family. After June’s mother was kidnapped, June’s research almost made her believe that her mother had a violent past, prompting her to change her name. Watch the movie to find out why.
Watch out for my next review (The Blue Eyed Samurai)
