Missing

It’s getting increasingly rare to see true originality in cinema but 2018’s Searching certainly got into that bracket.

Told as if the cinema screen was the screen of a computer, it was a gripping thriller of a father on the search for his missing daughter.

On the heels of its success comes Missing, a quasi-sequel with the same set up and style but a different story. This time, an eighteen-year old’s mother goes missing whilst on holiday with her new boyfriend.

In terms of plot, that’s all you should know before going in as this ramps up on its predecessor in terms of surprises, twists and reveals.

Once again the limitations of the format only serve to increase the atmosphere and heighten the tension. An alert from a camera doorbell or an incoming call fills you with dread. Information piles on to information on to screen and some plot points are to be gleaned by observation rather than spoon fed to you.

It’s a true modern film, with something to say about our relationship with screens and our obsession with true crime whilst also giving you a rollicking rollercoaster of a cinema trip.

Unique, gripping and thrilling, Missing is one to be found on your watchlist.

4 stars ****