Watch Missing You

Missing You is a heart-wrenching drama that follows the story of a family torn apart by tragedy. The film takes place in a small town in the mid-western US, where the Martinez family has been living for generations. The family is made up of father George Martinez (Israel Wright), mother Emily Martinez (Merrit C. Glover), and their daughter, 16-year-old Lily (Lauren Chavez-Myers).

The opening of the film shows the happy family enjoying dinner together, chatting about their day, and laughing over silly jokes. The camera lingers over the close-knit family dynamic, emphasizing their love for one another. However, all of that changes when Lily goes missing.

The viewer is plunged into the chaos and heartache of the Martinez family as they frantically search for their daughter. Emily is beside herself with grief, while George tries to hold it together for her sake. The police investigation is slow, and clues are few, so the family turns to their community for help.

As the days turn into weeks, the search becomes more frantic. The Martinezes put up flyers, organize search parties, and do everything in their power to find their daughter alive. But a sense of hopelessness creeps in as the police begin to find evidence that suggests that Lily may not be coming home.

The film skillfully weaves together two timelines: the present day, where George and Emily struggle with the search for their daughter, and flashbacks showing Lily's life leading up to her abduction. These flashbacks are particularly poignant as they show how happy and normal Lily's life was before it was shattered by an unknown assailant.

Lauren Chavez-Myers delivers an incredible performance as Lily. She is vibrant, funny, and full of life, making it all the more gut-wrenching when she disappears. Her scenes with her parents are particularly touching, demonstrating the close relationship she shares with them.

Israel Wright and Merrit C. Glover also give standout performances as the Martinez parents. They perfectly capture the agony and fear that parents experience when their child goes missing. Their performances are nuanced and subtle, never veering into melodrama, but always capturing the rawness of their emotions.

The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly the performers who play the police detectives working the case. They bring a level of authenticity to the investigation, making it feel grounded in reality. The small-town setting is also beautifully portrayed, with sweeping vistas of the Midwestern landscape and scenes of the community coming together to help the Martinez family.

The film is not without its flaws, however. There are moments where the pacing drags, particularly in the middle of the film. The flashbacks to Lily's life also feel a bit too on the nose at times, with scenes of her innocently walking down the street or playing with friends serving as heavy-handed reminders of what she's lost.

Despite these flaws, Missing You is a powerful and emotionally resonant film. It doesn't shy away from the horror of child abduction, but it also never feels exploitative or gratuitous. Instead, it uses its tragedy to explore themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.