Missing – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Missing

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A teen uses every digital tool at her disposal to find her missing mom in this clever, screen-based thriller that's basically CSI: Instagram Edition.

89%

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Missing

movie

PG-13, 2023

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A teen uses every digital tool at her disposal to find her missing mom in this clever, screen-based thriller that's basically CSI: Instagram Edition.

89%

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Screenwise Verdict

Missing is a smart, well-executed thriller that proves the 'screen-life' format from Searching wasn't just a gimmick. It's genuinely tense, cleverly constructed, and Storm Reid sells the hell out of it.

That said, this is absolutely not for younger kids. The PG-13 rating earns every letter—there's violence, profanity, teen drinking, and a relentless sense of danger that doesn't let up. It's the kind of movie that will have you talking afterward about digital privacy, online investigation, and how well we really know the people we love.

For families with older teens (14+), this is a solid pick for movie night—entertaining enough to keep everyone engaged, but with enough substance to spark real conversations about technology, trust, and safety. Just don't expect anyone to sleep easy afterward.

Age Fit

This is squarely for ages 14 and up—Common Sense Media and the PG-13 rating both land there. Younger teens who handle suspense well will appreciate the clever format, but the sustained intensity, mature themes, and language make it too much for middle schoolers and below.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

PG-13 thriller with strong family themes but includes teen drinking, frequent profanity, and intense peril situations. The mother-daughter relationship drives the story, but the tone is suspenseful and emotionally heavy rather than uplifting. Models resourcefulness and determination, but the context is dark—kidnapping, deception, and life-threatening danger.

Imaginative

Extremely innovative 'screen-life' format that unfolds entirely through computer screens, phones, and video calls. The digital investigation concept is fresh and clever, showing creative problem-solving through technology. The format itself invites viewers to think about how we use digital tools and leaves them mentally engaged in piecing together clues. Genuinely original storytelling approach.

Safe

PG-13 with strong violence (though not graphic gore), frequent profanity, teen drinking scenes, and sustained intense peril for teenage protagonists. The thriller format means constant tension and danger—kidnapping, potential murder, and life-threatening situations. While it avoids explicit content, the relentless suspense and mature themes (parental deception, criminal violence) make it genuinely unsettling for younger viewers. No surprise gore or sexual content, but the emotional intensity is high throughout.

Enriching

Thoughtful exploration of digital privacy, online investigation skills, and the complexities of parent-child relationships. Raises important questions about how well we know our loved ones and what secrets people hide. The protagonist's resourcefulness and problem-solving are admirable. Strong discussion potential around internet safety, trusting instincts, and the double-edged nature of technology. However, it's primarily entertainment-driven suspense rather than deeply educational content.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The entire 'screen-life' format is genuinely innovative—it's like watching someone's desktop come alive, and it works surprisingly well
Storm Reid's performance as June is compelling; she carries the whole film through video calls and frantic Google searches
Fantastic conversation starter about digital footprints, online privacy, and how much we can learn (or miss) about people through their screens
The mystery has enough twists to keep older teens and adults genuinely engaged—89% on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences
Shows impressive resourcefulness and problem-solving skills as June navigates international bureaucracy and digital investigation

⚠

What to Watch For

Sustained intense peril and violence throughout—kidnapping, threats, life-or-death situations that can feel claustrophobic
Frequent profanity and scenes of underage drinking that are presented matter-of-factly
The relentless digital format can feel overwhelming; some viewers find the constant screen-switching exhausting
Heavy themes about parental deception and hidden pasts that might hit hard for kids dealing with family trust issues

Conversation Starters

"June finds out a lot about her mom by digging through her digital history—what do you think someone could learn about you from your online presence?"
"The movie shows how helpful but also invasive technology can be. When is it okay to snoop through someone's accounts, even if you're worried about them?"
"June has to decide whether to trust the police or keep investigating on her own. What would you do in that situation?"
"How much do you think parents should share with their kids about their past? Are there some secrets that are okay to keep?"

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