Written and directed by Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick, co-written by Sev Ohanian, after her mother goes missing, a young woman tries to find her from home, using tools available to her online. Starring: Storm Reid, Nia Long, Ken Leung, Joaquim de Almeida, Amy Landecker, Megan Suri, Lauren B. Mosley and Tim Griffin.
There’s already a built in challenge when you’re creating a sequel or franchise addition, but making one that’s a follow up to Searching which broke new ground, deepens that challenge further. Thankfully, Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick were up to the task, because while it does follow the formula of the first film, it has its own charm, personality and style to add to the mix. Realistically, we’re at a point in society where technology is such a constant in our everyday lives that watching a film taking place entirely on screens, is surprisingly seamless. Although plenty of credit certainly needs to go to the editing work, along with the direction, which makes Missing so well paced and varied that it holds your attention brilliantly.
Another big slice of credit has to go to the cast, starting with Storm Reid because while she gives June all the typical teenage qualities of being irritable, frustrated, short-tempered, selfish and reckless, she’s also caring, intelligent and resourceful. Reid creates a fantastic, charming personality for June that keeps her in harmonious balance, so she’s not overly perfect, every choice she’s going to make is not going to be exactly right, otherwise it would just be too easy.
The surprising element here is how moving of a connection she builds with Joaquim de Almeida’s Javi. The two build a beautiful inter-generational friendship that becomes an anchor for this adventure. Of course with the catalyst of the film being Grace’s disappearance, it sadly means we don’t get to see too much of Nia Long but the scenes she does get are wonderful. The vulnerability that she brings to Grace’s experiences with motherhood is superb.
One of the big things to consider with Missing is who it’s being written for, this is not a strictly adult, dark thriller, it’s meant for a wide range of ages and in that sense Johnson, Merrick and Ohanian did a genuinely terrific job. The way that the story moves pulls a lot of great threads and asks questions about how we use technology, or how it can be used against us. It has plenty of mystery and is constantly upping the risk, throwing a nice amount of wrenches into the works along the way. Arguably, if you’re familiar enough with this type of cinema, you’ll likely be able to predict a fair few of its choices, and maybe question some as well, but to its credit that doesn’t dampen your enjoyment of it at all.
Missing is a brilliant follow up to Searching, bringing a youthful twist to its clever, captivating formula. Storm Reid is fantastic and pairing her with Joaquim de Almeida was an incredible choice that pays off excellently. The story has a great unravelling feel, taking plenty of twists and turns. It moves with confidence and a fast pacing, the use of technology almost feels improved from the last time around, flawlessly gliding from one app to the next. Although someone really should have given June the advice that if she’s going to have a party while her mom’s out of town, tell your friends not to use the Ring doorbell.
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