Missing is an in-universe sequel to the John Cho-starring Searching from 2018. Both are “screen life” films – both told through the use of various screens the main character uses. I thought Searching was good… I think Missing is better.

So Missing stars an eighteen year old girl (Storm Reid) whose mother and her new boyfriend go to Columbia on vacation. Mom goes missing and she uses all the screens at her disposal to find them.

I found this suspense/thriller/mystery to be very compelling, pretty smart, well shot/edited, and well acted by Ms. Reid (and everyone else). I was thoroughly engaged by the mystery and I love how it took multiple twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. It generates a decent dollop of suspense in various time-based sequences and I was all-in throughout.

The conceit of the screens telling the story does get stretched thin as is so often the case with these films. But, generally speaking, most of the logic was sound and they introduced new screen types, apps, and ideas that they wouldn’t have used back in 2018 with the original film. I particularly liked how they introduce Netflix as a source of true crime stories including re-enactments of Searching (now not starring John Cho).

The screens do get a little stretched in the credibility department in the final act but I was willing to go with it for the thrills. It was fun and engaging so maybe it doesn’t have to gel together logically at all times.

This is a very good kidnapping suspense mystery that uses its tech gimmick wisely and well. I recommend it for the quality of its acting and the twisty of its plot. Check it out.

Score: 86