Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fascinating main character saves kidnapping thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gone
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say this film delivers a surprisingly engaging thriller experience with strong character development, particularly of the main protagonist who showcases resilience and bravery in her quest. While praised for its suspenseful narrative and enjoyable elements, it also contains themes of violence and mild language, making it suitable for older tweens and up.
- engaging thriller
- strong character
- suspenseful narrative
- suitable for tweens
- mild language
- mature themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Several months before GONE begins, Jill (Amanda Seyfried) survived a kidnapping. She now lives with her sister in Portland, works as a waitress in an all-night cafe, and constantly looks over her shoulder. When she arrives home one morning, her sister is missing, and Jill becomes convinced that the kidnapper has returned. Unfortunately, given her history of mental illness and a lack of evidence, the police don't believe her. But Jill knows that she has roughly one day to save her sister's life, so she does everything in her power, including avoiding the police and conning just about everyone in town, to pull off her next-to-impossible task.
Is It Any Good?
Gone is a most unusual thriller. It's not particularly focused on the killer's identity, and though it does drop in a red herring, the actual reveal means nothing. Likewise, the heroine is rarely in physical danger. Rather, the main theme here is the "girl who cried wolf" story, in which the girl is tough, capable, and cunning. It's fun watching Seyfried bluffing and conning her way through scene after scene; no opponent can best her.
When viewers realize that the bad guy here isn't necessarily the killer, but rather the cops, the movie begins to take shape. The police are the ones who have labeled and cornered Jill, using underhanded tactics and slimy behavior. Her telephone conversation with the killer is the first honest, civil one she has in the movie. Overall, Gone is an odd but appealing combination of flat and subtle, sturdy and loony.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's violence. What's scarier -- the stuff you see, or what you don't? What's the impact of both types of scares?
Jill is tough, capable, and cunning, but she also lies and isn't above hurting people. Can people be role models despite serious flaws?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 24, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : May 29, 2012
- Cast : Amanda Seyfried , Jennifer Carpenter , Wes Bentley
- Director : Heitor Dhalia
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and terror, some sexual material, brief language and drug references
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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