Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting, diverse, screen-based mystery has strong violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Missing
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 37 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is captivating and thrilling, filled with unexpected twists and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. While many recommend it for audiences aged 12 and up due to some violence and strong themes, it is still praised for its engaging storyline and the emotional depth of the main character's search for her mother.
- thrilling experience
- mature themes
- unexpected twists
- intense storyline
- age recommendations
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MISSING, June (Storm Reid) is a petulant teen who's constantly clashing with her controlling mother, Grace (Nia Long), partly over her mother's new relationship with Kevin (Ken Leung). Grace and Kevin depart for a romantic getaway to Colombia, and June throws a wild party for her friends. But when she goes to the airport to pick up Grace and Kevin, they're nowhere to be found. Using nothing but her computer, June desperately launches into detective mode, even managing to hire a Colombian helper, Javier (Joaquim de Almeida), to do some legwork for her. Just when she seems to hit a wall, she discovers a strange new clue, unveiling an even stranger mystery.
Is It Any Good?
Taking place entirely on computer screens and video monitors, this thriller builds a clever, frantic, and emotional mystery, even if it finds itself stretched a bit too thin as it reaches its climax. Like its spiritual predecessor, Searching (with which it shares only its motif), Missing is a mystery for the modern age, with its 18-year-old hero clicking from web browsers to notepads to FaceTime while hacking email accounts and hiring out-of-country help, all at lightning speed. (Even Sherlock Holmes' head would spin.) Co-writers and directors Will Merrick and Nick Johnson -- who worked as editors on Searching -- establish an exciting pace, as well as an exciting main character in June, and all of her quick-clicks tickle viewers' brains. The filmmakers also admirably attempt to tackle the serious business of domestic abuse, but when their narrative leaves the computer screen and switches to security camera monitors, Missing starts to stumble a little, although it comes back with a satisfying snap of a solution. Yes, in retrospect things begin to fall apart under scrutiny, but it's still a perfectly satisfying viewing experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Missing's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How is teen drinking depicted? Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why is that important?
How well does this ScreenLife-style movie work? Does it ever "cheat"? Would it have been better or worse as a "normal" movie?
What arguments could the movie make for/against too much screen time?
Did this movie make you think differently about how you or your family uses technology for privacy or safety?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 20, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : March 7, 2023
- Cast : Storm Reid , Nia Long , Amy Landecker
- Directors : Nick Johnson , Will Merrick
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Sony Pictures , Screen Gems
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong violence, language, teen drinking, and thematic material
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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