Year: 2003
Runtime: 137 min
Language: English
Director: Ron Howard
A determined mother, Maggie Gilkeson, undertakes a dangerous search through the wilderness to rescue her daughter, who has been abducted by a ruthless adversary possessing mystical abilities. She reluctantly joins forces with her estranged father, confronting both external threats and her own personal struggles along the way. This gripping adventure thriller explores themes of family, resilience, and the fight against overwhelming darkness.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Missing yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Missing (2003), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Set against the backdrop of New Mexico in 1885, The Missing presents a gripping tale of estrangement and family ties. The story centers around Maggie Gilkeson, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, a tenacious prairie doctor striving to provide for her two daughters in a harsh, unforgiving landscape. Her world is upended when her estranged father, played by Tommy Lee Jones, unexpectedly reappears after two decades of living among the Indians—a choice he made long ago that left his family behind.
“You have to reunite with your family to save your life,” warns the medicine man after a dangerous rattlesnake incident that forces him to confront his past. Despite his desperate attempts to reconnect, Maggie harbors intense resentment towards him and promptly casts him out from her home.
However, chaos ensues when Maggie’s eldest daughter, Lilly, expertly brought to life by Evan Rachel Wood, is kidnapped by a ruthless group of renegade Indians. This band has already captured several young girls to sell into prostitution in Mexico. With no assistance from the sheriff and her heart broken with despair, Maggie realizes that she must reluctantly join forces with the very man she despises—her father. Together, they embark on a harrowing journey into the wilderness, united by the desperate need to rescue Lilly and heal the wounds of their fractured family.
Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 08:27
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Missing in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Missing is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Missing with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Missing. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like The Missing that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Missing (2003) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Missing (2003) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Missing (2003) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Missing – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Missing (2022) Full Movie Breakdown
She's Missing (2019) Complete Plot Breakdown
Missing (2023) Movie Recap & Themes
Not Forgotten (2009) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Vanished (2020) Detailed Story Recap
The Forgotten (2004) Movie Recap & Themes
The Last Manhunt (2022) Movie Recap & Themes
The Missing Person (2009) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Frontier (2016) Detailed Story Recap
Gone (2012) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Missing (1982) Full Summary & Key Details
The Stolen Valley (2024) Movie Recap & Themes
Outlaws and Angels (2016) Film Overview & Timeline
Lost Child (2018) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Silencing (2020) Full Movie Breakdown