“Missing” (2023)
One of the things I appreciate in any kind of media or creator is how you can bring to the table something we have never seen before, and there are very few times that I felt that.
Looking back, I could point out Nolan’s “Memento” and “Searching”; the way they use editing and how they build the storytelling around that editing and the formats and how they capture it to make it really immersive.
“Missing” just takes it to new levels; the story is not as powerful or believable as “Searching”, but it is way more interesting than the “Unfriended” movies, but it is much “bigger” in scale, which makes it much more impressive in regards to the writing.
To make this movie work, we need to believe that every scene captured fits the story, that is the hardest thing they need to achieve, and they actually nailed it.
Storm Reid is another reason this movie works, like “Searching” this movie is 90% on the back of the leading actor, and Reid nailed it.
She is able to make us believe every single situation; even when they are improbable situations, she makes us believe from start to end.
The story this time is a bit more complicated, and after a certain point, you kind of start realising where it all is going, and when the twist comes, we are not 100% surprised or even on board, but because of all of the great build-up you give it some slack.
Can’t say that the directors, Nicholas D. Johnson and Will Merrick blew me away, but when we take on board that this is their first movie and that it is not a simple movie to take on, we have to give our congratulations and give them the benefit of the doubt.
Also, being Portuguese, I need to give a shout-out to Joaquim de Almeida, that has a small role, but he does a great job, very natural and low key but it is an essential piece for the all-movie to work.
Thoroughly recommend this movie, and hopefully, Timur Bekmambetov will be able to take this format to other genres and keep raising the bar.
Have you seen this movie? What did you think?
What movie surprised you by bringing another way of taking on storytelling?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
