Filthy Review - Megan is Missing

Megan is Missing (2011)

Review by Jude Felton

Megan is Missing is a cautionary tale, inspired by true events, that is sure to unsettle even the most cynical viewer out there. In an age where chatting online to random folk is the norm, and rarely even given a second thought to, it shows what the consequences could horrifyingly end up being. Of course, not everyone online has a hidden agenda but the horrors are out there and Megan is Missing is just one shocking story brought vividly to the screen.

The movie is about two young teenagers, Megan and Amy who, even though they are polar opposites in their lifestyles, are the best of friends. Megan is the popular party animal from a broken home who seeks solace in drugs, partying and pleasing the boys, whereas Amy is far quieter, a child who doesn’t want to grow up and to whom boys are not something she has any real interest in.

Much of their time is spent chatting by phone or online and making videos together. But, whereas Amy’s innocence helps keep a barrier up to the world Megan thinks nothing of chatting with complete strangers. If you were in any doubt as to why the movie is so named you should now have a very good idea of what happens next. However, not only does Megan go missing but Amy does too.

The movie is shot entirely through cell phone point of view shots, webcam footage, video camera and news footage and it all works very well to set build the tension throughout. The faux news footage succeeds in showing how events as sad as missing children can be sensationalized to a sickening degree, without real thought of the consequences, but it is the last 22 minutes that will really leave an indelible mark on the viewer. It is raw and uncompromising and definitely hard to watch.

Throughout the movie there are questionable actions made by both girls, but on closer examination and thought you have to remember that the story is dealing with very young teenagers. They still aren’t as worldly-wise as they might like to think they are, and their outlook on the world still has that innocence about it. Yes, Megan’s life is definitely a world away from Amy’s in what she has seen and gone through but they are still just children.

Megan is Missing is without a doubt a shocking and harsh movie, but it does ask the questions as to where the parents of Megan and Amy fall in to these events, and also to parents watching as to what they should allow their children to see and do with regards to the internet and even cell phones.

At the end of the day though Director Michael Goi has delivered a powerful movie, one which is supported by great turns by Amber Perkins and Rachel Quinn in the lead roles. It does have its flaws, although as a whole it is an incredibly effective and brutal movie.

The movie was released in 2011 yet I believe it was made back in 2008 and I can only wonder why it took so long to get a release. The cash crazy out there could well have saddled it on the back of the success of movies such as The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity, to which it does share some similarities in style if not the tone. Regardless, it is a movie that will stick in your mind of that you can be sure.

(Megan is Missing is available through Anchor Bay Entertainment)