Overview"The Missing" is a 2003 American Deconstructionist Western thriller movie, directed by Ron Howard, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Cate Blanchett. The movie makes use of the kidnapping of a young Anglo-American woman by Native Americans in the late 19th century.
Plot SynopsisSet in New Mexico in 1885, the film starts with introduction of Maggie Gilkeson (Cate Blanchett), a single mom working as a therapist while secretly assisting her older child, Lilly (Evan Rachel Wood), to escape from an organized marital relationship with a regional rich rancher, Brake. One day, a complete stranger shows up asking for a space, revealed to be Maggie's estranged dad, Samuel Jones (Tommy Lee Jones), who deserted her as a young girl to live with the Apache tribe.
The Life-Changing ReturnSamuel informs Maggie he's in search of redemption prior to death, and try to be part of her life once again. Initially, Maggie rejects him due to previous desertion, however, with the unanticipated disappearance of Lilly and her pal, Maggie unwillingly seeks Samuel's understanding of Apache culture to track down Lilly. Samuel recognizes that an outlaw psychopath, Pesh-Chidin, accompanied by his rogue Apache accomplices lag the kidnappings, planning to sell young women into sex slavery in Mexico.
Ruthless PursuitThe majority of the film exhibits unrelenting pursuit of Maggie and Samuel versus severe wilderness and threats from hostile Apaches, which arranges a platform for their reconciliation. Maggie struggles to reconcile with Samuel's past yet slowly discovers to trust him, who shows himself a protective grandpa to her younger daughter, Dot (Jenna Boyd).
Climactic Final BattleTowards the climax, Dot is abducted when Samuel and Maggie are sidetracked by saving another abducted girl. This drives the duo to storm Pesh-Chidin's hideout, resulting in an intense fight with harsh physical and spiritual consequences. Samuel uses Apache dark magic to disable Pesh-Chidin, getting mortally injured throughout the battle. Maggie finally confronts Pesh-Chidin and kills him, avenging the sufferings caused on her children and herself.
EndingIn the concluding scenes, Samuel passes away from his injuries, finally redeemed in his child and granddaughter's eyes. The family returns home and buries Samuel, acknowledging their completely gotten closure.
Crucial Acclaim"The Missing" is praised for its visualization of the paradox of domestic landscape and wilderness, and the exploration of paternal redemption. Blanchett's performance is especially singled out as the solid protector against physical and emotional odds. While the movie has been slammed for its length and historical error in illustrating Apaches, it nevertheless delivers a thrilling mix of family drama, supernatural elements and Western tradition. In essence, "The Missing" stands as a testimony to storytelling that transcends the bleakness of survival and the anguish of the lost, looking for redemption and reconciliation in the middle of all.
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