Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Internet-dangers horror relies heavily on torture, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Megan Is Missing
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say the film is disturbingly graphic and deeply unsettling, with many reviewers expressing regret for allowing their children to watch it due to its portrayal of sexual assault and violence, which some believe may exploit trauma for shock value rather than serve as an effective cautionary tale. While a few acknowledge its intent to raise awareness about the dangers of online interactions, the graphic depiction of abuse and poor character development overshadow any educational themes, leading to a consensus that it is unsuitable for children and potentially uncomfortable for adults.
- disturbing content
- poor acting
- unwanted graphic violence
- lack of educational value
- unsuitable for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 110 kid reviews
Kids say this film is deeply disturbing and graphic, featuring intense scenes of sexual violence and abuse that many viewers found traumatizing, especially minors. While some appreciate its attempt to raise awareness about the dangers of online interactions, they caution against watching it due to its highly unsettling content and recommend that it not be viewed by children or those sensitive to such themes.
- graphic violence
- traumatizing experience
- inappropriate for minors
- important message
- avoid viewing alone
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
MEGAN IS MISSING centers on Megan Stewart (Rachel Quinn), a 14-year-old girl who has been the victim of sexual assault in the past and goes missing after talking to someone who was posing as a teenage boy online. Her 13-year-old friend Amy (Amber Perkins) is also kidnapped by the same person after talking with him online in an effort to find Megan. The film is made in the style of a found-footage documentary (though the events portrayed didn't actually happen in real life) to teach viewers how to protect themselves and their children online.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Michael Goi's found-footage thriller is hard to watch for two reasons. The first is that the "found" footage used in Megan Is Missing can be long and drawn-out, creating a tedious viewing experience. Most of the acting is also lacking, breaking the illusion that the film is based on actual lost footage. (It feels more like reenactment quality, frankly.) The second reason is the amount of violence the film uses to get its point across. There are scenes of underage drinking, drug use, sex, and, most disturbing, rape. There's also a focus on torture and murder, which only increases the film's ick factor. More than likely, viewers will feel gross by the time the credits roll.
While the film's goal is to scare viewers into being safe on the internet, the reliance on disturbing imagery and scenarios actually undercuts that message. Indeed, the film has become a viral sensation among young viewers because of its graphic content, not for its message about internet safety. If your teen happens to come across this film, be sure to put it in perspective for them, and use it as an opportunity to talk about what it means to be safe online.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Megan Is Missing portrays internet safety. How can children and teens protect themselves on the internet? How can caregivers support them?
What are the warning signs to look out for when interacting with someone on the internet?
How does the violence in Megan Is Missing compare to what you might see in an action movie—or even a slasher horror movie? Do different types of media violence have different impacts?
Did the movie's style make you think that it was about real events? Did that affect the impact it had on you? How can media contribute to manipulating what we think is real or fake?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 3, 2011
- Cast : Amber Perkins , Rachel Quinn , Dean Waite , Jael Elizabeth Steinmeyer , Kara Wang
- Director : Michael Goi
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Japanese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Anchor Bay
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 8, 2026
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