Watch The Missing Person

The Missing Person is a 2019 drama, directed by American filmmaker Dmitry Lipkin. It tells the story of Russian immigrant Alexey, played by Mikhail Kuznetsov, who suddenly disappears from a New York City casino where he works as a chauffeur. The day after his disappearance, his wife, Vera, contacts a private detective named Arthur (played by Robert Malone) to locate him. Arthur is known for his ability to find missing persons, but this case proves to be more complicated than he initially thought.

The majority of the film is set in the snow-covered suburbs of New York City, where Alexey had been living with his wife and children. Arthur starts his investigation by interviewing Vera and looking for clues in Alexey's house. As he goes through Alexey's belongings, he begins to discover a hidden side of Alexey's life, one that involves secrets and a troubled past. Meanwhile, the police are also investigating Alexey's disappearance, and their attention is drawn to Alexey's co-worker, Iggy, played by Sofiya Giatsintova. Iggy is a volatile character who is known for his gambling addiction and violent tendencies, and the police suspect he might be involved in Alexey's disappearance.

As Arthur digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies and dangerous connections that lead him to various locations around the city, including a seedy motel and a strip club. Along the way, he meets a cast of eccentric characters, such as a philosophical cab driver and a Russian gangster, who provide clues and help him piece together the mystery. Amidst the chaos, Arthur's personal life is also in turmoil, as his marriage is falling apart and his daughter is dealing with her own demons.

The Missing Person is a slow-burning film that keeps the audience guessing until the end. The cinematography is gritty and atmospheric, capturing the bleakness of winter in New York City. The script, co-written by Lipkin and Laura Eason, is tight and smartly constructed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the viewer engaged. The acting is solid across the board, with Kuznetsov and Giatsintova standing out in their roles as Alexey and Iggy, respectively. But it is Malone's nuanced portrayal of Arthur that anchors the film, giving it depth and heart.

The film deals with themes of identity, immigration, and the American dream, all through the lens of a missing person case. It explores the lengths people will go to in order to reinvent themselves and the consequences of their actions. The film also touches on the concept of fate and whether or not we have control over our own lives. These weighty themes are woven into the fabric of the story seamlessly, adding another layer of complexity to an already layered film.

Overall, The Missing Person is a well-crafted indie gem that is worth seeking out. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking, with its sharp writing, memorable characters, and captivating storytelling. It is a film that asks big questions while never losing sight of its human drama. It's a film that sucks you in and doesn't let go until the credits roll.