Really good movie. It was really strong especially the beginning. There was strong character development and building of the relationship between the sisters with a very strong sense of family dynamics. It was disappointing yet realistic when the mother minimised the whole depression and anxiety her daughter was experiencing. This led to the daughter leaving home early to return to college but it was surprising that she's been missing a whole two days before the family realised something was wrong. The film did a good job depicting the kind of isolation that can happen at college and the silent bullying that Lauren experienced from her roommate Anna.
I felt the movie did a good job showing how the authorities and local journalists discounted for the disappearance of a young black girl compared to a young white girl. The higher value placed on a white girl was frustrating to witness. To see Lauren's disappearance repeatedly downplayed by the police and others was truly horrible but also unfortunately a realistic depiction of unconscious bias and institutional racism in real life. I did feel that while watching the movie there were some new parts of the film that were hugely informative such as the sad existence of the network to find missing black girls.
Despite the film's strong message, yes the film could have been more dynamic with a stronger sense of urgency, more thrills, and clarity around the plot, such as why & how was she taken, etc. I thought all of the actors performances were really good and I'd recommend this movie.
I felt the movie did a good job showing how the authorities and local journalists discounted for the disappearance of a young black girl compared to a young white girl. The higher value placed on a white girl was frustrating to witness. To see Lauren's disappearance repeatedly downplayed by the police and others was truly horrible but also unfortunately a realistic depiction of unconscious bias and institutional racism in real life. I did feel that while watching the movie there were some new parts of the film that were hugely informative such as the sad existence of the network to find missing black girls.
Despite the film's strong message, yes the film could have been more dynamic with a stronger sense of urgency, more thrills, and clarity around the plot, such as why & how was she taken, etc. I thought all of the actors performances were really good and I'd recommend this movie.