Missing

Missing

Year: 1982

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Costa-Gavras

BiographyDramaHistoryMysteryThriller

A father's desperate search for his missing son leads him into a dangerous investigation within post-coup Chile. He uncovers a complex web of deceit involving the US government and the oppressive regime controlling the country. Determined to find answers, he confronts powerful forces and unearths unsettling truths about his son's disappearance and the political turmoil surrounding it.

Missing (1982) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Missing (1982) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the lingering shadows of a country still reeling from a recent coup, the streets of Chile pulse with a fragile mix of fear and quiet resistance. The regime that seized power casts a heavy hand over everyday life, while foreign interests linger like an unseen tide, each move watched and weighed. The atmosphere is thick with whispered rumors, flickering street‑light neon, and a palpable sense that the truth is being smothered beneath bureaucratic layers and militarized watchtowers. The film’s visual style leans on muted palettes and stark contrasts, drawing the viewer into a world where ordinary moments feel charged with underlying danger.

At the heart of this turmoil is a grieving parent, James, whose world collapses when his teenage son vanishes without a trace. A once‑steady life of routine and quiet devotion is shattered, replaced by a relentless drive to uncover what happened. James is a man marked by love and loss, his paternal instinct pushing him beyond the safety of his own concerns and into the murky corridors of a nation in crisis. His grief is raw, but it fuels a determination that borders on obsession, forcing him to question the very foundations of the society he thought he understood.

The story follows James as he steps into an investigation that quickly reveals a tangled web of secrecy, where governmental agencies, both domestic and foreign, guard their own hidden motives. The tone remains tense and methodical, balancing moments of intimate sorrow with the broader, oppressive atmosphere of the regime. As he navigates this labyrinth, the film maintains a steady rhythm of suspense, inviting the audience to wonder what lies beneath the official narratives and how far a father will go when every clue points toward powerful, unseen forces.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:11

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Political search thrillers similar to Missing

Personal investigations that expose powerful conspiracies and government deceit.Looking for more movies like Missing? This collection features similar high-stakes thrillers where a desperate personal search unravels a web of political corruption. These films share a tense, fast-paced tone and a heavy emotional weight, perfect for viewers who enjoy gritty investigations against oppressive systems.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a determined protagonist, driven by personal loss or a need for justice, who begins a quest for answers. Their investigation quickly escalates from a private matter to a confrontation with a vast, often governmental, conspiracy. The journey is fraught with danger, deception, and the unsettling realization that those in power are the true adversaries.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are united by their core structure of a personal mission colliding with political malfeasance. They share a high-intensity, tense tone driven by fast pacing, complex plots full of secrets, and a heavy emotional core rooted in desperation and the fight for truth against overwhelming odds.

Bittersweet survival stories like Missing

Stories where survival and revelation come with a heavy cost of trauma.If you appreciated the emotional resolution of Missing, explore these films about catharsis forged through trauma. These movies feature characters who survive harrowing ordeals and uncover shocking truths, leading to endings that are hopeful yet marked by loss and the heavy weight of what was revealed.

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Narrative Summary

The emotional journey is central: protagonists are pushed to their limits, confronting grave dangers and destabilizing revelations about their world or loved ones. While they ultimately survive the immediate threat, the experience fundamentally changes them. The ending offers a complex mix of relief and sorrow, acknowledging the cost of the truth and the trauma endured.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared emotional arc: a descent into a high-stakes crisis, the uncovering of deeply disturbing truths, and a conclusion that prioritizes emotional realism over neat happiness. The viewing experience is intensely gripping and heavy, leaving a lasting impact through its honest portrayal of survival's psychological toll.

Unlock the Full Story of Missing

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Missing Summary

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Missing Summary

Missing Timeline

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Missing Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Missing

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Missing

More About Missing

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More About Missing

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