Review of Megan Is Missing (2011) by Demi-Victoria C — 02 Aug 2011

To those that may think the gruesome parts were unnecessary: There are only so many ways to say "preying on children is wrong and the internet makes it easy" before the audience starts to feel like the message is stale. Much too often does it happen in film and in literature that the creator takes advantage of a theme that no one in their "right" social mind can argue against, guaranteeing them a spot at the top if it's executed well enough. Very few truly SHOW. This movie doesn't say, but SHOWS, and makes you give a shit. Despite its obvious flaws, I think that's worth the three stars.

Despite how cringe-worthy the beginning parts are in terms of dialogue (NO teenager talks or acts like that), this movie is really worth your time and consideration - violence and all. The way events unfold is very blunt and realistic, especially considering its mode (a mockumentary esque, "all-through-web-and-cellphone-cam" style). I was impressed with how Megan started talking to Josh - she wasn't even asking to talk to a stranger, she didn't join a chat room (a plot detail which would be more likely chosen by the typical filmmaker), she spoke to him because one of her real life friends said she knew him and thought he was cute. As small a detail as that may be, a real-life friend's approval would put just about anyone slightly more at ease with the idea, until they thought about it further. Megan simply did not think about it further. Unlike Paranormal Activity which is simply outlandish even when you forgive its metaphysical theme, Megan Is Missing shows a genuine unfolding of events, and makes you experience the horrific reality that so often won't flutter across our minds willingly, except for in the most abstract of ways. The last 15 minutes in particular, as the predator digs a hole to bury a girl alive, is a scene that will ALWAYS haunt me. This film does show things that are hard to watch, but balances tact with the refusal to abandon realism. A previous reviewer, Simon S, says that this film shouldn't have passed censorship; You cannot fight for free speech for only the things that you care to hear, and you cannot censor real life. If so many young girls can go through this horrifying reality, we not only can, but I feel like we MUST, be able to see an abridged, fully-clothed (I've seen people wear less to the pool) RE-ENACTMENT of it.

A mature 16+ should watch this film, and even then, not alone (I was 18 at the time and watched it alone, and didn't have anyone around to talk about it with - big mistake, resulted in a sleepless night). I think any younger would be too scarred by the parts that are hard to watch to understand its intent.