Watch Austin Found

Austin Found is a 2017 independent film that stars Linda Cardellini as Leanne Miller, a former beauty queen turned struggling mother who fabricates a story that her daughter has been kidnapped in order to win back the public attention and financial rewards that she feels are owed to her. The movie further stars Skeet Ulrich as T.J., Leanne's ex-boyfriend and the father of their daughter, and Craig Robinson as Pastor Clark, a local church leader who becomes entangled in the drama.

The film opens with Leanne auditioning for a reality TV show called America's Psychic Challenge, where she demonstrates her supposed ability to communicate with spirits. Her performance is mocked by the judges and her ex-boyfriend T.J. is present in the audience, having moved on from their relationship and now married with a child with another woman. Leanne is clearly unhappy with her current life and status, and as she leaves the audition, she encounters a young girl, Janet, who tells her about her own experiences with kidnapping and the media attention and rewards that came with it.

Inspired by this conversation, Leanne concocts a plan to fake her own daughter's kidnapping, with the help of her teenage neighbor and aspiring filmmaker, Dell, played by Richard Linklater's son, Clark Duke. Dell agrees to film the staged abduction and hold the girl captive in his parents' RV while Leanne and her accomplices maintain the deception. As Leanne's plan unfolds, things become complicated when T.J. becomes involved and Pastor Clark lends his support to the family. As the lie spirals out of control, it becomes increasingly difficult for Leanne to keep up the facade.

Throughout the film, the themes of greed, selfishness, and the desire for attention and validation are explored. Leanne's character is particularly interesting, as she is portrayed as both sympathetic and manipulative. She is a single mother struggling to make ends meet, and her frustration with her current situation is understandable. However, her decision to fake her own daughter's kidnapping is morally reprehensible, and the lengths she will go to ensure the deception is maintained are shocking.

The film also touches on the media's obsession with sensational stories and the exploitation of tragedy for profit. The way Leanne's story is embraced by the media, and the lucrative deals she is offered, highlight the desire for sensationalism in the news industry. Additionally, the portrayal of Pastor Clark as a celebrity and his willingness to become involved in the situation for his own gain is emblematic of the dangers of seeking attention and validation at any cost.

The performances in the film are nuanced and well-executed. Linda Cardellini is particularly impressive, effectively conveying the complexity of Leanne's character throughout the film. Skeet Ulrich and Craig Robinson also give strong supporting performances, with both actors bringing depth to their respective roles.

In terms of production, the movie is relatively low-budget, but the cinematography and editing are effective in conveying the story. The use of handheld cameras and a documentary-style approach give the film a sense of immediacy and realism, while the editing effectively intercuts between different locations and perspectives.

Overall, Austin Found is a well-made independent film that explores complex themes and features strong performances from its cast. The movie shines a light on the dangers of seeking attention and validation at any cost, as well as the media's obsession with sensational stories. While the plot may be a bit far-fetched at times, the film's exploration of these themes makes it a thought-provoking watch.

Austin Found is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 46.