Directed by
Shinzô Katayama
Made by
Dark Star Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Missing (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In a poignant archive video, a young June Allen spends precious moments with her late father, James, who succumbed to a brain tumor shortly after the footage was captured. Fast forward to several years later, June’s mother, Grace, embarks on a week-long getaway to Cartagena, Colombia, with her new boyfriend, Kevin. She entrusts June to the care of her friend Heather, a divorce lawyer who harbors some jealousy towards Grace and Kevin’s relationship.
As the week unfolds, June is given the responsibility of picking up her mother and Kevin at Los Angeles International Airport. However, they never arrive. Distressed, June initially reaches out to the FBI, but soon opts to take matters into her own hands, utilizing various digital tools at her disposal. To assist her in this quest, she enlists the help of Javier, a Colombian gig worker who agrees to help her for a small fee.
In a daring move, June hacks into Kevin’s Gmail account, uncovering a web of aliases and a troubling criminal history involving scams targeting unsuspecting women. Convinced that Kevin has kidnapped her mother, she instructs Javier to search for leads on their whereabouts in Colombia. Her investigation takes her to Nevada, where she meets Jimmy, a man who presents himself as a pastor at a rehabilitation center. He assures her that Kevin has transformed and genuinely loves Grace, but June’s skepticism remains.
Eventually, June gains access to her mother’s online dating profile, where past messages indicate that Grace may have known about Kevin’s dubious history all along. FBI Agent Elijah Park reveals to June that he has obtained footage of a supposed kidnapping involving Kevin and Grace in Colombia. However, as June digs deeper, she discovers that this footage was fabricated; Kevin had actually hired an actress, Rachel Page, to masquerade as her mother during the supposed abduction, having previously kidnapped the real Grace.
As the case captures national attention, Rachel admits she was unaware of Kevin’s true motives during the trip. The intrigue deepens when June uncovers that Grace herself has multiple aliases, leading her to suspect her mother’s involvement in the mystery. Her suspicions shift towards Heather upon finding an encrypted communication line between Heather and Kevin. When June sneaks into Heather’s office only to find it ransacked and eventually discovers Heather’s lifeless body in a storage closet, the stakes grow even higher.
In a shocking twist, June watches live news coverage of a police raid in Colombia, where Kevin is killed despite attempts to surrender. On the verge of despair, she finally accesses her mother’s email account and discovers a chilling threatening message aimed at Grace. This leads her to security cameras that Kevin had installed in a seemingly abandoned house—her old family vacation home in Nevada.
Just as she pieces things together, Jimmy contacts June with unexpected news. He reveals he is her father and that Grace had taken June from him while he was imprisoned on falsely imposed charges. However, as he shares this unsettling truth, he reveals himself to be a domestic abuser whose drug issues endangered their lives. To protect June, Grace and Heather had told her that James had died from cancer.
In a climactic confrontation, James kidnaps June and takes her to the old house, where Grace is also held captive. They manage to reunite briefly before a tragic altercation unfolds, resulting in Grace being shot by James. In a desperate struggle for survival, Grace fatally stabs James with a shard of broken glass. Seizing a moment of opportunity, June activates her laptop’s camera to communicate with Siri and summon help, using the very technology that helped her uncover the dark truth behind the conspiracy.
Months later, as Grace recovers from her injuries and June embarks on her college journey, their harrowing tale has inspired a segment on the true crime series Unfiction. Grace has formed a friendship with Javier, a bond June helped to foster. In a heartfelt exchange of text messages, June expresses her love for her mother, to which Grace responds warmly, affirming their enduring connection amidst the chaos.
Track the key events of Missing (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
June's Precious Memories
In a poignant archive video, a young June Allen spends heartfelt moments with her late father, James. This footage captures the essence of their relationship before James succumbed to a brain tumor shortly after it was recorded.
Grace's Getaway to Cartagena
Years later, June's mother, Grace, goes on a week-long getaway to Cartagena, Colombia, with her new boyfriend, Kevin. She leaves June in the care of her friend Heather, who harbors jealousy towards Grace's new relationship.
The Airport Crisis
June is tasked with picking up her mother and Kevin from Los Angeles International Airport. When they fail to arrive, June is filled with distress, prompting her to reach out for help.
Taking Action
Initially contacting the FBI, June quickly decides to investigate the matter on her own. Using digital tools, she starts piecing together clues about her mother's disappearance.
Finding an Ally
To assist in her search, June hires Javier, a Colombian gig worker, who agrees to help her for a small fee. Together, they begin exploring potential leads regarding Grace's whereabouts.
Hacking into Kevin's Life
June takes a daring step and hacks into Kevin's Gmail account, where she uncovers a web of aliases and a concerning criminal history. She becomes convinced that Kevin has kidnapped her mother.
Meeting the Pastor
June travels to Nevada and meets Jimmy, a man claiming to be a pastor at a rehabilitation center. He assures her that Kevin is a changed man who genuinely loves Grace, but June remains skeptical.
Unraveling the Truth
Through her investigation, June discovers that Grace may have been aware of Kevin's shady past all along. Greiving with these revelations, she continues to seek answers about her mother's disappearance.
Alarming Revelation
FBI Agent Elijah Park reveals footage of a supposed kidnapping involving Kevin and Grace, which adds urgency to June's search. However, she finds out that the footage was actually fabricated.
Heather's Tragic Discovery
As tensions escalate, June sneaks into Heather's office only to find it ransacked. Her fears become reality when she discovers Heather’s lifeless body in a storage closet, raising the stakes significantly.
The Fatal Raid
June witnesses a police raid in Colombia during live news coverage, where Kevin is killed despite attempting to surrender. This shocking event leaves June filled with despair and questions.
A Chilling Message
After gaining access to her mother's email, June finds a threatening message directed at Grace. This leads her to investigate further, focusing on her family's old vacation home in Nevada.
Shocking Family Secrets
Jimmy contacts June with shocking news, revealing he is her father and that Grace had taken her away while he was imprisoned on false charges. This unsettling truth complicates June's emotions.
The Climactic Confrontation
In a final showdown, James kidnaps June and holds her and Grace captive in the old house. A tragic altercation occurs, resulting in Grace fatally stabbing James in a desperate struggle for survival.
A New Beginning
Months later, as Grace recovers, June embarks on her college journey. Their harrowing experiences have inspired a segment on the true crime series Unfiction, allowing them to share their story.
Meet the characters that bring Missing (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
June Allen
June is a determined and resourceful young woman who takes it upon herself to find her missing mother. Throughout the film, she demonstrates courage, resilience, and a keen intellect as she navigates a complex web of deceit. Her character arc reveals her growth from an anxious daughter to a proactive investigator, willing to confront the dark truths of her family's past.
Grace
Grace is June's mother whose mysterious disappearance propels the story forward. Portrayed as a loving but secretive figure, her decisions raise questions about her past and her relationship with Kevin. Grace's character embodies the conflict between protection and honesty, illustrating the sacrifices made for familial love.
Kevin
Kevin is introduced as Grace's new boyfriend and initially seems charming, but his true nature unfolds as the narrative reveals deception and criminality. His character serves as an antagonist, embodying manipulation and danger while creating turmoil within June's understanding of her family's dynamics.
Javier
Javier is a Colombian gig worker who aids June in her quest to find her mother. His character offers a contrast to the chaos surrounding June, providing support and insight into the local culture. As a resourceful ally, he plays a pivotal role in navigating the challenges presented during the investigation.
FBI Agent Elijah Park
Agent Elijah Park serves as a representative of professional law enforcement in the film, initially providing June with updates on her mother’s case. As the investigation unfolds, his character reflects the tension between official procedures and June's personal quest for answers.
Uncover the settings of Missing (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events unfold in contemporary times, showcasing the impact of modern technology on personal investigations. The narrative emphasizes the immediacy of current communication methods and digital tools that play a crucial role in June's search for her mother.
Location
Cartagena, Colombia, Los Angeles International Airport, Nevada
The movie takes place in Cartagena, Colombia, known for its beautiful coastal scenery and vibrant culture. Los Angeles International Airport serves as the transit point for June's mother and her boyfriend, reflecting the bustling nature of international travel. Nevada, where June uncovers critical information, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative as it becomes a setting for twists and revelations.
Explore the core themes of Missing (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Mystery
The theme of mystery is central to the film as June embarks on a desperate quest to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance. The story delves into a web of deception, exploring how hidden identities and alliances complicate the search for answers. It highlights the lengths one will go to unveil dark secrets, with unexpected twists leading to deeper emotional revelations.
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Family
Family bonds are tested throughout the film, as June navigates her relationship with her mother amidst the chaos. The theme underscores the complexities of familial love, trust, and betrayal, particularly when past histories come to light. Grace's role as a mother is both protective and fraught with secrets, illustrating the intricate dynamics within family ties.
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Investigation
The theme of investigation drives the narrative, with June taking charge of her own search for truth. Utilizing her tech-savvy skills, she explores digital avenues to piece together clues and confront a series of troubling revelations. This theme emphasizes empowerment through knowledge and determination, showcasing the importance of seeking the truth despite overwhelming odds.
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