Black Girl Missing

When I sat down to watch the 2023 TV crime drama movie "Black Girl Missing" from Life, I had never actually heard about it. But I had the chance to watch it, and of course I did so, as I believe all movies deserve a fair chance.

However, I will say that writer Kale Futterman didn't exactly bring about an overly thrilling or entertaining script for the movie. Sure, the topic of the movie is something that is important and need attention, but the movie itself just lacked momentum, drive and there simply was no force to its punch. And that made for a rather dull and bland movie experience.

I am not saying that the acting performances in "Black Girl Missing" were bad, because they weren't. And they actually had a good cast ensemble in the movie. It was just a shame that the actresses and actors in the movie didn't have a more fulfilling and compelling script and storyline to work with.

While watchable, then director Delmar Washington's movie "Black Girl Missing" just wasn't outstanding or memorable. When you've watched it one time, you will most likely never return to the movie a second time, simply because there is hardly enough contents to the storyline to support the first viewing.

There are far better and more enjoyable movies about abductions and kidnappings out there. "Black Girl Missing" came and went without leaving much of a lasting impression.

My rating of "Black Girl Missing" lands on a four out of ten stars.

This movie goes to show that America doesn't care about African Americans or other minority races. It's a great movie that shows exactly how we are marginalized and disregarded everyday. There needs to be more movies like this to shine a bigger light on the injustice our communities across the world have to face. It's sad how she had to do her own leg work and look for her daughter herself risking her own life in the process. It's pathetic that no one really cares about us. We have to care about ourselves and do for ourselves. Minority communities cannot go to the police for help. If it doesn't make ratings it doesn't matter. It's all about views and ratings.

Given the subject matter of this film and the overall message, I am shocked that the reviews are so harsh.

Black Girl Missing sheds light on missing persons. Always worthwhile. Additionally, this film is connected to the Black and Missing Foundation - a real organization you can look up to learn more.

There are so many stories shared every single day. Give every piece of work the respect it deserves by simply viewing it and positively reflecting on why it matters.

As someone living in Canada, I cannot fathom the population sizes of some American cities. Give the film some credit for bringing attention to a topic many seldom think about.

Lifetime really talked this one up, so of course I saved it to watch. I tried to watch it today, and sadly didn't even finish it. This topic is something that NEEDS to have a light shone on it, but this movie did not help the cause. I really can't even put my finger on it, but it didn't hold my attention so I was lost a lot. Some of the scenes where the actors were trying to be pensive about something, I was like, "What are we supposed to be thinking they are thinking?" Again, lost. Finally I just gave up. The missing girl should have maybe had more scenes because as a viewer, I had no attachment to the character. The other characters seemed so shallow and boring, I didn't have any attachment to them either.

Black Girl Missing is a gripping, emotionally charged film that not only tells a captivating story, it makes a bold and necessary statement. This 2023 drama shines a spotlight on the heartbreaking reality that Black and brown girls often receive far less media attention and urgency when they go missing. And it does so with sincerity, grace, and a deep emotional core that lingers long after the credits roll.

At the center of the story is Garcelle Beauvais, who gives one of the most heartfelt and nuanced performances of her career as Cheryl, a mother whose daughter disappears, only to find herself facing indifference, apathy, and systemic neglect from the institutions meant to help. Beauvais plays Cheryl not as a stereotype, but as a layered, real woman, a grieving mother, a fighter, and a voice for every parent who's ever been told to "wait it out." Her portrayal is both commanding and heartbreaking. You believe every tear, every moment of frustration, and every ounce of strength she summons in the face of adversity.

Nick Thune as Detective Dean is also a surprising standout. At first, he appears to be just another procedural character, but Thune gives Dean dimension and restraint. There's a quiet evolution in his role, from skepticism to awareness, that reflects the journey many viewers might experience themselves. His chemistry with Beauvais is understated but believable, and his role offers a subtle but meaningful commentary on complicity and change.

The supporting cast adds weight and realism to the story without distracting from its central message. There's a raw, almost documentary-style edge to the way the film handles the investigation and media response, which makes it all the more unsettling. The pacing is tight, at just 88 minutes, the film makes every second count, and the tension builds naturally, driven not by shock tactics but by emotional urgency.

What sets Black Girl Missing apart is how it tackles a social issue with compassion and focus, without turning it into a lecture. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while keeping them engaged in a very human, very relatable story. It's not just about a missing person, it's about what it means when certain lives are treated as less urgent, less newsworthy, and less worthy of justice.

This is a film that deserves to be seen, talked about, and remembered. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, not just in casting, but in the stories we choose to tell.

Highly recommended for fans of socially conscious dramas, true crime-inspired stories, and anyone ready to be both moved and challenged.