Movie spotlight
In 2005, a high-profile case of a police officer who disappeared during a forest hike spawned urban legends about the existence of a gateway into another world. In 2016, those legends inspired popular internet novel Missing, which is now being adapted into an eerie supernatural thriller by first-time director and Fresh Wave alum Ronnie Chau. Former pop idol Gillian Chung stars as a social worker who hires a mountain guide to search for her missing father in the mountains. She discovers the mystical gateway from the urban legends, but is her father really waiting for her on the other side?
A young woman, Joanne, is on vacation in the mountains with her father. When she goes out for a walk in the woods, she gets lost. As darkness falls and the weather turns foul, she must use her wits and courage to survive the night and find her way back to safety. However, she soon realizes that she is not alone in the wilderness and something sinister is lurking in the shadows.
The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some praised its suspenseful atmosphere and the performances of its lead actors, many found the plot predictable and the scares derivative. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the tension while others found it lacking in originality.
Praised for its tense atmosphere and isolation.
Criticized for a predictable plot and unoriginal scares.
Performances were noted as a positive aspect amidst a weak script.
Google audience: Audience reviews are split, with some finding the movie effectively suspenseful and a solid thriller. Others felt it was too slow-paced, relied on common horror tropes, and ultimately failed to deliver a compelling narrative.
The film was originally titled 'The Forest' and underwent a title change prior to its release.
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Missing, adapted from the novel of the same name and marking Ronnie Chau’s directorial debut, presents a gripping and relatable mystery about a hiker’s disappearance and the eerie legends surrounding it. The film effectively builds its narr...