Haunting Tales of the Lost and Forgotten

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MOVIE REVIEW
Night of the Missing
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 13m
Director(s): Samuel Gonzalez Jr., Matthew Hersh
Writer(s): Samuel Gonzalez Jr., Gigi Gustin
Cast: Meredith Thomas, Jill Awbrey, Gigi Gustin, Bill Moseley, Sheila Ball, Stephon Strickland, Moriah N. Boone, Jenna Kanell
Where To Watch: now available on Scream Box here www.screambox.com

RAVING REVIEW: In NIGHT OF THE MISSING, directors Samuel Gonzalez Jr. and Matthew Hersh, along with writer and star Gigi Gustin, expand the intriguing narrative universe first glimpsed in the 2022 short film NITE FLIRT. This expansion into an anthology format is not just a savvy move to increase visibility; it's a creative leap that helped expand the shorts world within the horror genre. Starting strong, we visit a police station on a stormy Christmas Eve, a wall adorned with various posters of missing persons, with each poster offering a portal into a different story, interweaving the tales into a cohesive tale of fear.

Jill Awbrey's portrayal of “The Woman,” who finds herself in this eerie police station, sets the stage for a rollercoaster of suspense and horror. The viewer is immediately plunged into a world where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur, and each story unfolds, adding pieces to the puzzle as we go.

The opening segment, WE ALL SCREAM, features Joseph Jojo Martinez in a haunting performance as a young boy trapped by an evil ice cream truck. With its dark and intriguing imagery, this story sets a precedent for the chilling narratives that follow, each unique in its approach to horror. From supernatural occurrences to psychological thrillers, the variety keeps the anthology fresh and unpredictable.

One of the most notable segments is NITE FLIRT, originally a standalone short that I had the honor of screening last year and the film that formed the foundation of the anthology. Here, the elements of suspense, paranormal activity, and a hint of erotic thriller are mixed to create this eerie heart of the film. Bill Moseley's portrayal of “The Caller” is particularly striking, and Gigi Gustin stands out in front of and behind the camera. As an actor, co-producer, and writer, Gustin adds significant depth to the film's narrative. Her performance in NITE FLIRT and her involvement in the anthology demonstrates her versatility and commitment to the craft.

The anthology's structure, which cleverly uses the missing-person posters as narrative links, is ingenious. This approach ensures a dynamic flow, keeping the audience engaged as each story contributes to the unfolding mystery of the police station. The diverse themes and styles of the individual stories come together to form a final product of terror and intrigue.

However, maintaining a consistent quality across all segments is a common challenge for anthologies, and NIGHT OF THE MISSING is no exception. While some stories are exceptionally well-executed, others feel slightly less developed or rushed, especially as the film approaches its climax. This disparity might leave some viewers longing for a deeper exploration of the fascinating mysteries introduced.

Despite these occasional inconsistencies, NIGHT OF THE MISSING is a welcome contribution to the horror anthology genre. Its unique premise and several key segments give horror enthusiasts an engaging and novel experience. The film benefits from original performances and an atmosphere that balances eeriness and intrigue. NIGHT OF THE MISSING highlights the directors' creative abilities and secures its position as a noteworthy film.

Reflecting on the original short, NITE FLIRT, it's clear how this film laid the groundwork for the anthology. The short film, an ode to the horror genre, was a delightful experience, with its only shortcoming being its brevity. Gigi Gustin's role was remarkable, her potential as a new scream queen is evident, and Bill Moseley's performance added an enjoyable twist. I’m still rooting to see its expansion into a full-length feature; I think there’s so much within that small portion to explore.

The film's clever storytelling, nostalgic retro feel, and compelling character development left a lasting impression, making the audience yearn for more. The story's simplicity is brilliantly counterbalanced by the depth and investment it elicits, making NIGHT OF THE MISSING a natural and exciting experience that any horror buff will want to visit.

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[photo courtesy of SCREAM BOX]