Missing - Identity Crisis

Missing

2023

Producers - Natalie Qasabian, Sev Ohanian, Aneesh Chaganty

Director - Will Merrick, Nick Johnson

Stars - Storm Reid, Ken Lueng, Joaquim De Almeida, Daniel Henney, Nia Long, Megan Suri

Mohan's Measure ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I begin with sincere apologies to the readers. My tunnel vision on Indian movies kept me from the American contribution, particularly from someone who is arguably one of the finest. Aneesh Chaganty stunned us with Searching, and has us mesmerized with Missing.

The movie is as close to Hitchcock perfect as possible, with enough emotion to scream with utter fright barely hidden behind a spartan desire to learn the truth. 

Ms. Reid carries her character in a seemingly fusion ballet, suburban high school life interweaving with a cosmopolitan cavalcade of multiracial characters and a fiercely international story.  Mr. Almeida adds character, cynicism and mentoring to a story about coming of age, the hard way.

But what is most amazing is the architecture of the movie, the multiple laptop windows and live cameras creating an atmosphere of chaos, while at the same time taking us on a virtual tour of places and events in which we are seemingly helpless witnesses. The way the windows almost open by themselves at times reminds us of a higher power at work here, one that is seeking more than just retribution for one, but a punishing end to a gruesome crime. 

The ending to Missing leaves you at a place you did not ever expect, and brings you home to a bittersweet solution, one that perhaps only a mother would understand. 

Brilliant!