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Missing

Name: Missing
Director: Will Merrick, Nicholas D. Johnson
Released: 2023
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Fair

2023

PG-13

Director

Will Merrick, Nicholas D. Johnson

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Missing stands out as a modern thriller by centering a woman of color whose technical expertise propels the investigation. By putting June in charge, the film successfully upends traditional gender dynamics often seen in mystery stories. The narrative also subtly criticizes institutional inefficiencies, showing how digital tools can circumvent slow-moving international bureaucracies. This provides a contemporary commentary on the limitations of state authority during a crisis. However, the film remains narrow in its depiction of identity. It lacks LGBTQ+ representation and does not include characters with disabilities, focusing primarily on gender and institutional critique.

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Category Breakdown

Does Missing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The main emotional storyline revolves around a mother-daughter relationship within traditional family structures.

How does Missing portray gender?

Good

June is a strong female lead who uses her technical skills and digital knowledge to advance the plot. This challenges the usual male investigator stereotype by highlighting women's leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Missing?

Good

The main character is a woman of color, offering a detailed look at the Colombian context. The film avoids focusing solely on Western perspectives by blending digital representations of both Western and non-Western worlds.

How does Missing represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story critiques the conflict between personal freedom and the rigid processes of international law enforcement. It highlights how official systems often fail to respond effectively to urgent humanitarian issues.

Does Missing include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently depict physical or cognitive disabilities. There are no characters with disabilities or related storylines.

Present on Screen

Strong female leadership through June's technical and investigative skills.
Detailed portrayal of a woman of color navigating a global environment.
Effective challenge to the traditional male-led investigator cliché.

Limited or Absent

Absence of LGBTQ+ characters or exploration of non-straight relationships.
No representation of physical or cognitive disabilities.

Official Synopsis

When her mother disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June’s search for answers is hindered by international red tape. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it’s too late. But as she digs deeper, her digital sleuthing raises more questions than answers... and when June unravels secrets about her mom, she discovers that she never really knew her at all.

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