Directed by
Nicholas D. Johnson
Discover the intricate plot of Missing (2023). 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 an archival video, June Allen reflects on a moment with her late father, James, who succumbed to a brain tumor shortly after filming. Fast forward to years later, and June’s mother, Grace, embarks on a week-long excursion to Cartagena, Colombia, accompanied by her boyfriend Kevin. During this time, June is entrusted to the care of Grace’s friend Heather, a divorce lawyer whose envy of Grace’s relationship with Kevin is palpable.
As the week unfolds, June’s task of retrieving her mother and Kevin at Los Angeles International Airport leads to a troubling revelation: they never arrive. In her desperation, June reaches out to the FBI but soon decides to take matters into her own hands, utilizing a suite of digital tools to trace their whereabouts. Enlisting the help of Javier, a Colombian gig worker who’s willing to assist for a small fee, she dives deeper into the investigation.
Upon breaching Kevin’s Gmail, June stumbles upon a web of aliases and a troubling criminal history marked by scams against unsuspecting women. Convinced that Kevin has abducted her mother, she tasks Javier to hunt for clues in Colombia. Their trail takes them to Nevada, where June encounters a man named Jimmy, who claims to be a pastor running a rehabilitation center for ex-convicts. He insists that Kevin has turned his life around and is truly in love with Grace. This only deepens June’s suspicions when she discovers that her mother had previously accessed Kevin’s dating profile, revealing that Grace might have known about his dubious past all along.
FBI agent Elijah Park soon contacts June with alarming news: footage has surfaced of criminals appearing to kidnap Kevin and Grace in Colombia. However, June quickly uncovers that this is merely a ruse, orchestrated by Kevin who hired an actress, Rachel Page, to masquerade as her mother during a supposed kidnapping. With the case escalating into a national spectacle, Rachel admits she unwittingly became entangled in Kevin’s deceitful plans. Disturbingly, it surfaces that Grace has also operated under multiple aliases, igniting theories about her involvement in her own disappearance.
Determined to prove her mother’s innocence, June’s focus shifts to Heather when an encrypted communication reveals ties to Kevin. Sneaking into Heather’s office, she discovers it ransacked and eventually finds Heather’s lifeless body in a storage closet. As June watches a live police raid unfold in Colombia, news hits that Kevin has been shot despite his attempts to surrender, leaving her desperate for answers.
At a seemingly insurmountable impasse, June finally breaks into her mother’s email and uncovers a menacing message aimed at Grace. This leads her to security cameras Kevin purchased for an abandoned house—her old vacation home in Nevada. In a twist of fate, Jimmy calls and claims he has crucial information about Grace. When he arrives, the shocking truth emerges: he is June’s father, who had been falsely accused by Grace and kept away from June. He further reveals his history of domestic abuse and drug addiction, painting a grim picture that contradicts what June had known.
Jimmy later kidnaps June, taking her to the old house where Grace is also held. In a tense reunion, tragedy strikes as Jimmy shoots Grace. In a desperate act, she stabs him with a shard of glass before he can escape with June. To turn the tides, June seizes the moment when she realizes her laptop remains untouched. Calling for help through the cameras, she instructs Siri to summon the police.
Months later, Grace has miraculously survived her injuries, and June is settling into college life. Their harrowing story has found life on a true crime show titled Unfiction, while Grace forges a budding friendship with Javier. In a touching exchange, June texts her mother with words of love, to which Grace responds with affection in return.
Track the key events of Missing (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Reflection on Loss
June Allen reflects on a cherished moment with her late father, James, who passed away from a brain tumor shortly after they filmed a home video together. This bittersweet memory sets the stage for the emotional turmoil that follows in June's life.
Grace's Trip to Colombia
Years later, June's mother, Grace, embarks on a week-long trip to Cartagena, Colombia, accompanied by her boyfriend Kevin. This excursion marks a turning point in June's life, as she is left under the care of Grace's friend, Heather.
Missing at the Airport
When June is tasked with picking up her mother and Kevin at Los Angeles International Airport, she is met with confusion and concern when they never arrive. This day marks the beginning of her frantic search for answers.
Contacting the FBI
In desperation, June reaches out to the FBI for help, but quickly finds that she must take matters into her own hands. This decision propels her into a world of digital sleuthing as she attempts to locate her missing mother and Kevin.
Enlisting Javier's Help
June hires Javier, a Colombian gig worker, to assist her in tracing Grace's and Kevin's whereabouts. Their partnership unveils the complexity and dangers of the investigation as they dig deeper into the mystery.
Uncovering Kevin's Past
While breaching Kevin's Gmail account, June uncovers a network of aliases and a troubling history of scams. This revelation makes her believe that Kevin has sinister motives regarding her mother's disappearance.
Encounter with Jimmy
In Nevada, June meets Jimmy, who claims to be a pastor running a rehabilitation center. His insistence on Kevin's reformed nature adds to June's unease as she discovers connections between her mother and Kevin that raise further suspicions.
FBI Footage Emerges
FBI Agent Elijah Park contacts June with disturbing news: footage has emerged of a kidnapping involving Grace and Kevin. However, things take a shocking turn when June learns that the event may be staged by Kevin.
Finding Heather
June discovers that Heather is involved when she breaching Heather’s office leads to a terrifying reveal: Heather's lifeless body is found. This discovery raises the stakes of June's investigation as danger looms closer.
Climactic Confrontation
June tracks down the old vacation home and is faced with Jimmy's overwhelming presence. In a confrontation filled with peril, tragedy strikes as he shoots Grace during their reunion, impacting June's life irreversibly.
Call for Help
In the midst of crisis, June cleverly utilizes her laptop and the home's security cameras to call for help. By instructing Siri to alert the police, she takes a crucial step toward resolving the harrowing situation.
Grace's Survival
Months later, it is revealed that Grace has survived the critical injuries sustained during the confrontation. The ordeal they faced marks a turning point in their relationship as they begin to heal.
The True Crime Show
The shocking events of June and Grace's experience are transformed into a true crime show titled *Unfiction*. This not only brings their story to a wider audience, but starts a new chapter in both their lives.
A New Friendship
As Grace begins to rebuild her life, she forms a budding friendship with Javier, the Colombian worker who aided June. This connection symbolizes the hope and healing that can emerge from their traumatic past.
A Message of Love
In a heartfelt moment, June sends a text message to her mother expressing love and support. Grace’s heartfelt response solidifies their renewed bond as they both move forward in life.
Meet the characters that bring Missing (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
June Allen (Storm Reid)
June is a resourceful and determined teenager who faces the unimaginable challenge of locating her missing mother. Equipped with modern technology and a fierce love for her family, she becomes an amateur detective in a race against time. Throughout her journey, June confronts shocking truths about her family that force her to mature rapidly.
Grace (Nia Long)
Grace is a caring mother whose actions are shrouded in mystery and ultimately reveal a complex history. Her relationship with Kevin raises suspicions, revealing layers of manipulation and hidden truths. Grace's bravery shines through during the tumultuous events, showcasing her protective nature when facing danger.
Kevin (Ken Leung)
Kevin initially seems like a charming partner, but his duplicitous nature quickly comes to light as June investigates. He becomes the linchpin in the plot of deception that puts Grace in danger, showcasing a blend of charisma and malevolence. His character embodies the theme of betrayal, leaving a lasting impact on June's perception of trust.
Heather (Amy Landecker)
Heather is a divorce lawyer and friend of Grace, whose envy of Grace's relationship adds layers to the narrative. Though she initially appears to be a supportive figure, her jealousy complicates her character and her eventual fate becomes a tragic reflection of the consequences of deceit.
Javi (Joaquim de Almeida)
Javi, a Colombian gig worker, plays a crucial role in assisting June with her investigation. His willingness to help for a small fee demonstrates the shared struggles of those who seek their place in the world. His character brings a sense of realism and adds depth to June's quest.
Uncover the settings of Missing (2023), 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
Modern Day
The film unfolds in contemporary society, where digital tools and social media play a pivotal role in personal safety and interactions. This era showcases the complexities of modern relationships, highlighted by online dating and the ease of information access through technology.
Location
Los Angeles, Cartagena, Nevada
The movie primarily takes place in Los Angeles, a bustling metropolis known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture. Cartagena, Colombia serves as a vibrant backdrop featuring colorful colonial architecture and rich history, where significant events unfold. Nevada is depicted as a more desolate, but crucial location representing past family ties and unresolved issues.
Explore the core themes of Missing (2023). 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 film is deeply rooted in the theme of mystery, as June embarks on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth behind her mother's disappearance. With twists and turns at every corner, the investigation reveals hidden identities and deceitful relationships. The relentless pursuit of answers leads to shocking revelations that reshape June's understanding of her family.
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Deception
Deception looms large as various characters hide their true intentions, with June uncovering layers of lies surrounding her mother and Kevin. The film explores the impact of trust and betrayal within familial bonds, leaving June questioning the very foundation of her relationships. This theme culminates in a harrowing climax as the truth about past selfishness is unveiled.
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Family
Family ties and their complexities drive the heart of the story, highlighting the bond between June and Grace. The film examines the lengths one would go to protect loved ones and the emotional turmoil that arises when those bonds are tested. Despite tragic events, the enduring love between mother and daughter shines through, culminating in a heartfelt reconciliation.
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