Missing (2023) Review

Missing is the follow-up to 2018’s surprise hit, Searching, utilizing the same multi-screen visual style to unravel its twist-filled mystery. Although the plot isn’t quite as tightly woven as its predecessor, this thriller delivers plenty of surprises that’ll keep you guessing. 

Will Merrick and Nick Johnson, both of whom were editors for Searching, step in for directing duty this time around. They once again make outstanding use of the unique visual concept, with every inch of screen space being used to tell the story. Your eyes will constantly be scanning up and down, side to side, searching for clues that could lead to the next big revelation. The seamless transitions between various screens and types of media are cut together so smoothly, keeping the narrative flow at a brisk pace. 

The core mystery is always engaging, and most of the (many) big reveals land with an appropriate level of shock value. The film does occasionally get tangled up in its own twists and turns, though, focusing too much on trying to surprise the audience. Clues and revelations often come a little too easily when it’s convenient to advance the plot, but this keeps the story moving without any real lulls. The final 20 minutes devolve into your standard Hollywood thriller, but it doesn’t detract too much from everything that came before. 

Missing is an exciting tech-thriller that makes strong use of its multi-screen concept. It will keep you on your toes with a twisty, fast-paced story, even if it doesn’t totally stick the landing during its final act. 

3.5/5

Review by: Benjamin Garrett