A seemingly successful Washington state businessman is abducted in a van, tied to a chair and squirms for videos posted to his wife Daphne Zuniga (as Anne), a busy mom and dentist. Lonely lead investigator Aaron Pearl (as Barry Matthews) comforts Ms. Zuniga and her pretty 15-year-old daughter Nicole Munoz (as Casey). They wait for the inevitable request from hostage-takers. We learn about past infidelities and some unfortunate business practices associated with victim Robert Underwood (as Dale Bradshaw). His "high tech manufacturing" business partner David Lewis (as Mel Davidson) joins the distraught family in waiting to see what will happen to the missing man...
It's best not to try to figure out how this story develops because, most of the time, you will be correct and kill the suspense...
Zuniga is a fine performer and capable of subtle characterization. She is "acting" almost constantly herein, but this is the genre and she is on task. As the loyal business partner, Mr. Lewis shows similar skills. Contrasting them, leading investigator Pearl is positively stoic. His red-haired rival Johannah Newmarch (as Sarah Pullman) arrives midway to take over the case, concerned about Pearl becoming too chummy with Zuniga. With her pointed delivery and swinging medallion, Ms. Newmarch leaves an impression. In one of her scenes, a man pulls a cart before Newmarch appears. Clever...
The best character is the amusingly adorned young computer geek and fast-food eater Christopher De-Schuster (as Mike Ferrit)...
Writer Jennifer Studer's story might have been improved by having young daughter Munoz made a few years older and, perhaps, in college or living on her own. The opening could include a scene with her leaving, after a visit. She could reappear for the ending. This would give Zuniga's character an added sense of abandon. Having her alone in the house would add suspense. Director Brenton Spencer and his crew do especially well when Zuniga hears noises in the middle of the night. She leaves her bedroom, checks on her daughter (this part is weak and Munoz shouldn't move when the door opens), frighteningly moves down her staircase into the kitchen and grabs a knife. The lighting, camera angles and soundtrack are very effective.
**** My Husband Is Missing (10/1/2016) Brenton Spencer ~ Daphne Zuniga, Aaron Pearl, David Lewis, Christopher De-Schuster
