Elizabeth Is Missing

Elizabeth Is Missing (2019) marks a triumphant return before the cameras for Glenda Jackson, whose last filmed work was done in 1992. The story has Jackson as a woman in the early stages of dementia who is determined to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her friend Elizabeth. Her memory is triggered by objects and music and bits of things that cause to flash back 70 years to the disappearance of her sister. While the two things seem connected to her, to her family she is babbling incoherently. She is dismissed as a senile old woman, but she knows the clues add up. She has all the clues because they're all written down on bits of paper. She also knows she hasn't much time left.

After decades in politics, Jackson returned to acting a few years ago, and she's had major success on the London and New York stages, but this is her first filmed work since her return. At 83, she is still formidable , and she is superb in this TV movie.

I don't think I have ever written a review before but after watching this I felt compelled to.

Glenda Jackson's portrayal of a lady who has Alzheimers is played fantastically. I have worked with people with dementia/Alzheimers for 20 years. When programs like this come out I always watch and criticise because some performances are laughable. But this one was relatable on so many levels.

I watched this stunningly powerful film with tears running down my cheeks. This is a no holds barred portrait of an elderly woman desperately trying to remember events of her youth while suffering with dementia. There are super supporting performances, especially from Helen Behan, as the put upon daughter dealing with the daily pain and trauma of seeing her beloved mother deteriorate. However, this is a tour de force performance from Glenda Jackson as Maudie. Her performance is raw and heartbreaking. Ms Jackson is still one of the world's greatest actors. Please watch this.

I watched this last night and Glenda Jackson is heartbreakingly superb as the Alzheimer's victim, Maud. It follows her as she attempts to find out what has happened to her friend, Elizabeth, and how this current mystery induces flashbacks and repressed memories surrounding the disappearance of her sister 70 years ago. It highlights the strain that families undergo whilst living with a loved one with dementia, and how life itself becomes a mystery to the sufferer.

Glenda Jackson puts on an incredible performance; at times the film is emotionally distressing and makes for difficult viewing. Her portrayal of how Alzheimer's erodes the sufferer's core personality, replacing it with a violent stranger, is worthy of a BAFTA. The secondary mystery of what happened to her sister all those years ago is beautifully intertwined with the present day storyline. This is definitely worth a watch, but make sure you have you tissues on standby.

I am so glad to see Glenda Jackson back on the box, hard to believe she's 83 here, still has such gravitas as an actress, terrific to watch. Overall I thought this was excellent, at times hard to watch because of the subject material, but ultimately rewarding. Twenty seven years away from tv, and nothing has changed.

If I'd had any sense I would have saved this for Christmas day, as it's not the most amazing schedule imaginable. However I watched it, and loved it. Refreshing to watch a one off ninety minute drama, I miss this format, not always do you want to watch a seven part drama, this was a nice change up.

Watching this and having a family member who suffers with dementia brought it home just how tough it really is.

Some uncomfortable scenes, but a great story, and of course the wonderful Glenda Jackson, a winner. 9/10