In the era of smartphones, social media, and digital breadcrumbs, the way we search for answers—and for people—has fundamentally changed. Missing (2023), directed by Will Merrick and Nick Johnson, is a gripping thriller that takes full advantage of this reality. The film is a spiritual successor to Searching (2018), but stands on its own as a tense, twist-filled story about a daughter’s desperate hunt for her missing mother. With Storm Reid and Nia Long delivering powerful performances, Missing is as much about the dangers and possibilities of the internet as it is about the secrets that can tear a family apart.

In this review, we’ll explore the film’s detailed plot, its complex characters, the themes at its heart, its box office performance, similar movies, reasons you should watch, a conclusion, and frequently asked questions.

Detailed Plot Summary

Setting the Stage: June and Grace

June Allen (Storm Reid) is an independent, tech-savvy 18-year-old living in Los Angeles with her single mother, Grace (Nia Long). Their relationship is loving but strained—June feels stifled by Grace’s protectiveness and is eager for more freedom. Grace, meanwhile, is still healing from the supposed death of June’s father, James, years ago.

When Grace leaves for a romantic vacation in Cartagena, Colombia, with her new boyfriend Kevin, June is left to her own devices. She parties with friends, dodges check-ins from Grace’s lawyer friend Heather, and enjoys her brief taste of independence.

The Disappearance

After a week, June heads to LAX to pick up Grace and Kevin, but they never arrive. Her concern grows when calls to Grace go unanswered and the hotel in Colombia reports that their luggage was never checked out. June’s attempts to get help from the authorities are met with bureaucracy and indifference—she’s told that, without evidence of foul play, nothing can be done.

Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands

Frustrated, June launches her own investigation using every digital tool at her disposal. She hacks into Kevin’s Gmail account, scours social media, checks security camera footage, and even hires a local Colombian gig worker named Javier to do on-the-ground sleuthing for her. Javier, a single father struggling to make ends meet, becomes her unlikely partner.

June discovers that Kevin has a criminal past and a string of aliases, raising suspicions that he may have kidnapped Grace. She tracks his movements, uncovers suspicious purchases, and even finds evidence that Grace was aware of Kevin’s past but chose to trust him.

Layers of Deception

The case explodes online, drawing the attention of the media and internet sleuths. June’s mental health suffers as she’s bombarded with theories, accusations, and misinformation. The FBI gets involved, but their investigation seems to stall.

June’s suspicions shift to Heather, who she learns helped Grace change her identity years ago. When June visits Heather’s office, she finds it ransacked and Heather dead in a storage closet. The mystery deepens—was Grace hiding from someone, and did Heather’s involvement get her killed?

The Unraveling

June uncovers that Grace’s real name is Sarah and that she had a hidden past. She also learns from a pastor in Nevada named Jimmy that Kevin had been in prison, but supposedly turned his life around. Meanwhile, the FBI receives footage of Grace and Kevin being kidnapped in Colombia, but June quickly realizes the video is staged, using a lookalike actress to play Grace.

As June digs deeper, she discovers that her own laptop was compromised—someone has been spying on her and blocking her research. The trail leads June to an abandoned vacation home in Nevada, where she finds security camera footage Kevin had set up. Just as she’s about to unlock the final clue, Jimmy arrives at her door.

The Shocking Truth

Jimmy reveals himself as James, June’s father, who she believed died of a brain tumor. In reality, James was a drug addict and abusive, and Grace had faked his death to protect June, changing both their identities. James, seeking revenge, had met Kevin in prison and enlisted him to help track down Grace and June.

James kidnaps June and takes her to the Nevada house, where Grace is also being held captive. The family is finally reunited, but James’s obsession and rage boil over. He shoots Grace and tries to take June away, but Grace, wounded but determined, stabs James with a shard of glass, killing him.

Rescue and Resolution

Trapped and injured, June remembers that her laptop is still connected to the house’s security cameras. Using voice commands, she instructs Siri to call 911, leading police to their location. Both June and Grace are rescued and taken to the hospital.

The film ends with June and Grace recovering and reconciling. Their relationship, once strained by secrets and distance, is now stronger than ever. June, who once resented her mother’s protectiveness, now understands the lengths Grace went to in order to keep her safe.

Character Analysis

June Allen

June is a modern heroine—resourceful, intelligent, and fiercely determined. Her tech-savvy skills are central to the plot, but it’s her emotional journey that anchors the film. June’s arc is about growing up, learning to trust, and coming to terms with her family’s painful past. Her resilience in the face of overwhelming odds makes her both relatable and admirable.

Grace Allen / Sarah

Grace is a mother haunted by trauma and driven by the need to protect her daughter at all costs. Her decision to fake her husband’s death and change their identities is both desperate and heroic. Grace’s love for June is palpable, and her willingness to fight for her daughter—even when wounded—shows her strength.

James / Jimmy

James is a complex antagonist. His transformation from loving father to abuser and stalker is revealed gradually, making his final confrontation with June and Grace all the more chilling. His actions are driven by obsession and a twisted sense of betrayal, making him a tragic but terrifying figure.

Kevin

Kevin is initially presented as a villain—a conman with a criminal past. However, the film complicates his character, suggesting he may have genuinely cared for Grace and was manipulated by James. His fate—shot by police in Colombia—adds another layer of ambiguity to the story.

Javier

Javier is the film’s unsung hero—a hardworking, compassionate man who risks his safety to help June. His partnership with June provides both comic relief and emotional grounding, and their continued friendship after the ordeal is a touching detail.

Heather

Heather is Grace’s loyal friend and lawyer, who helps her change her identity and ultimately pays with her life. Her role highlights the dangers faced by those who try to help victims of abuse.

Themes

The Double-Edged Sword of Technology

Missing is a film for the digital age. It shows how technology can be both a lifeline and a weapon—enabling June to track her mother, but also allowing villains to spy, manipulate, and deceive. The film explores the dangers of online misinformation, privacy breaches, and the overwhelming noise of social media.

Family, Secrets, and Identity

At its core, the film is about the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. Grace’s decision to hide her past and reinvent herself is both an act of love and a source of pain. The story asks whether it’s possible to ever truly escape your past, and how secrets—no matter how well-intentioned—can come back to haunt you.

Trust and Betrayal

The film is a labyrinth of shifting loyalties and betrayals. June must navigate a world where everyone is a potential suspect, and where trust is a precious commodity. The ultimate betrayal—her own father’s involvement—adds emotional weight to the film’s climax.

Survival and Resilience

June’s journey is one of survival against overwhelming odds. Her ability to think on her feet, adapt, and never give up is a testament to human resilience. Grace’s fight to protect her daughter, even when wounded, echoes this theme.

The Power of Connection

Despite the dangers of technology, the film also celebrates its ability to connect people. June’s partnership with Javier, her use of digital tools to solve the mystery, and her final use of Siri to call for help all underscore the positive potential of our interconnected world.

Box Office Collection and Reception

Missing was released theatrically in early 2023 and quickly became a sleeper hit. Its innovative use of digital storytelling, tight pacing, and emotional depth resonated with audiences, leading to strong box office returns for a mid-budget thriller. The film’s success was further amplified by streaming, where it found a global audience and sparked widespread discussion on social media.

Critics praised the film’s suspenseful plot, clever use of technology, and standout performances, particularly by Storm Reid. The film’s ability to keep viewers guessing until the final act was frequently highlighted as a major strength.

Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Missing, you might also like:

• Searching: The spiritual predecessor, where a father uses digital tools to find his missing daughter.

• Unfriended: A horror-thriller told entirely through computer screens and video chats.

• Profile: A journalist investigates online extremism, told through her computer screen.

• Gone Girl: A twisty thriller about a missing wife and the secrets beneath a seemingly perfect marriage.

• Prisoners: A father’s desperate search for his missing daughter leads to dark discoveries.

• The Call: A suspenseful thriller about a 911 operator racing against time to save a kidnapped girl.

Why You Should Watch Missing

• Innovative Storytelling: The film’s use of digital screens, apps, and social media creates a unique, immersive experience.

• Relatable Protagonist: June’s journey from rebellious teen to determined detective is both engaging and inspiring.

• Emotional Depth: Beyond the thrills, the film explores family, trauma, and the power of forgiveness.

• Unpredictable Twists: The plot keeps you guessing, with red herrings and reveals that reward close attention.

• Timely Themes: The dangers and benefits of technology, the spread of misinformation, and the importance of digital literacy are all explored in ways that feel urgent and relevant.

Conclusion

Missing is a masterful thriller for the digital generation. It combines the suspense of a classic mystery with the tools and anxieties of the modern world. With its strong performances, clever plot, and emotional resonance, the film stands out as one of the most compelling thrillers of recent years.

At its heart, Missing is about the bonds between parent and child, the secrets we keep, and the lengths we’ll go to for those we love. It’s a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat—and might just make you think twice about your own digital footprint.

FAQs

Q: Is Missing a sequel to Searching?

A: While not a direct sequel, Missing is set in the same universe and uses a similar digital storytelling format.

Q: Is the movie based on a true story?

A: No, the film is a work of fiction, but it draws inspiration from real-world issues like online scams and identity theft.

Q: Is Missing suitable for all ages?

A: The film deals with mature themes, violence, and suspense, making it best suited for teens and adults.

Q: What makes Missing different from other thrillers?

A: Its innovative use of technology as both a narrative device and a source of suspense sets it apart.

Q: Does the film have a happy ending?

A: While the ending is tense and bittersweet, June and Grace survive and reconcile, offering a sense of hope and healing.

Q: Who are the main actors in Missing?

A: Storm Reid stars as June, with Nia Long as Grace. The cast also includes Ken Leung, Joaquim de Almeida, and Amy Landecker.

Q: What is the main message of the film?
A: The film underscores the importance of trust, resilience, and the power—and peril—of technology in our lives.