Disparue

Wow, Missing completely caught me off guard. I went into it expecting a typical thriller, but this movie is anything but typical. Ava Zaria delivers a solid performance, but the real star here is the plot-it's a wild, twisty rollercoaster that never lets up.

Every time I thought I had it figured out, BAM-another twist came out of nowhere and threw me off. It's been a while since a movie kept me guessing like this one. Just when you think it's heading in one direction, it pulls the rug out from under you, and by the end, I was left saying, "What just happened?" in the best way possible.

The pacing was great, too-it's tense from start to finish, and the way it incorporates modern technology into the storytelling felt clever without being forced. If I had to nitpick, some parts felt a little far-fetched, but honestly, I was so hooked I didn't even care.

It's the kind of movie you can't stop thinking about after the credits roll. If you love unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, definitely put this one on your list!

'Missing' is a standalone sequel to the hugely successful 'Searching' from 2018. At the rate technology and social media is moving, I suppose this could be seen as an updated version of 'Searching'.

June is a young girl who still misses her Dad, who died when she was very young. The film's opening scenes depict a tragic story of a young girl who lost her Dad to cancer. Her Mom, Grace, now has a new boyfriend, Kevin Lin, and they're going away on vacation.

When the time comes for June to fetch them from the airport, they never arrive, and are soon reported missing. June then decides to make use of the Internet and social media to find out what might have happened, and discovers much more about her mom and Kevin than she anticipated.

'Missing' excellently incorporates the way we use the internet nowadays, and modern social media is perfectly utilized, making the film very relevant and relatable. Unfortunately, (older) people who don't use the Internet on a regular basis might be completely lost. They simply won't understand how the events can be possible.

Just like 'Searching' we're looking at a computer or phone screen for almost the entire film - without even realizing it. The film is incredibly realistic. But wait, there's more: around the halfway mark there's a shock twist. And if that wasn't enough, there's another shock reveal during the final act.

'Missing' had my attention from the very beginning. It is a very detailed and well written script, and the editing is incredible. I found the film fascinating and captivating. I must be honest, with the film being so realistic I did find the finale a bit too sensational - almost as if they wanted to give the film more edge. This ending, however, felt too much like a crime thriller with most of the realism gone. Despite this, though, 'Missing' is a well made film that deserves to be seen.

June becomes concerned when her mother Grace doesn't return home from a trip to Colombia with her new partner Kevin.

First off, if you've seen Searching, you'll be very aware that it was made by the same people, I loved that, I loved this one.

What a clever plot, it's just a good old fashioned mystery, but one with a twist, this time it's the child searching for the parent, and instead of physically searching, she does it all with technology, makes a change to see tech given a positive spin.

Edge of the seat viewing, it is full of twists and surprises, you never know what is coming next, it doesn't follow any of the usual conventions. It didn't bore me for a second, what a triumph in writing.

Storm Reid was excellent as June I thought, a convincing performance, you really did get a sense of June's desperation and frustration.

9/10.

I loved Searching (2018) so I was surprised that it was getting a standalone sequel.

For the most part, this is a worthy sequel that retains the great visuals and the compelling mystery of Searching (2018). Storm Reid is the main lead and she gives a great performance. Her character doesn't have a great relationship with her mother and she isn't exactly being great to her. Despite that, the movie gets you to really root for her because you see her desperation and regret once her mother is missing.

I do have a couple of gripes that make me enjoy it less than Searching (2018).

1. I find it hard to believe that the police wouldn't have access to the emails needed for the investigation.

2. Once the reveal happens, I question a lot of the overly complicated plan and the believability of it.

3. I also can't believe Javier has a 2.8 star out of 5 for his service. That guy is an MVP!

Just like Searching (2018), the mystery keeps you gripped with every twist and turn. It's a great mystery worth watching!

This is in the same vein as "Searching", a first person mystery/thriller, where almost every scene is of a person sitting at a computer or looking at a phone. If this alarms you, don't let it. It is very well put together, enough notes are put on the "screen" so even the very computer illiterate should be able to follow.

The story is a young girl, who loses her beloved father, and is raised by her now single mother without any other family. The mother disappears while on vacation and the daughter uses her computer skills to find clues. There are many twists and turns which will keep your interest. Not sure if all of the computer navigation is terribly realistic, but it's easy to suspend your disbelief, and I advise you to.