The Hidden Gem of 2023: How 'Missing' Became a Netflix Sensation
2023's highly anticipated sequel is taking Netflix by storm, captivating audiences with its underrated brilliance Despite being overshadowed in theaters, the film's success on the streaming platform is a testament to its enduring appeal
The thriller film Missing, which was released earlier this year, has gained a surge in popularity since its release on Netflix on May 20. The standalone sequel to 2018's Searching, directed by Will Merrick and Nick Johnson, features Storm Reid in the lead role as she embarks on a mission to find her missing mother. With critical acclaim and a strong box office performance, Missing has now reached the top of Netflix's daily movie chart, thanks to a positive word of mouth on social media. According to FlixPatrol, the film became Netflix's No. 1 movie on its Top 10 chart on May 23 and has held its position for a week, captivating viewers with its unexpected twists and turns. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement about the film.
How Missing Was Overshadowed During Its Theatrical Run
Upon its debut, Missing received high praise for its fast-paced plot, relatable scenarios, and expertly executed plot twists that captivated audiences for its entire 111-minute runtime. This acclaim translated into significant financial success, as the film earned a total of $48.7 million worldwide on a modest budget of $7 million, generating over five times its production costs. Despite its critical and commercial triumphs, however, Missing struggled to stand out in theaters, as it faced competition from several highly-anticipated blockbusters and unexpected hits.
Despite its success on Netflix, Missing initially struggled to compete with James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water, viral sensation M3GAN, and beloved hit Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at the box office. While Avatar continued to dominate, M3GAN and Puss in Boots held their own for weeks after their debuts, leaving Missing in fourth place. The film was further overshadowed by the buzz surrounding the success of the horror and animation genres in Avatar 2 and the aforementioned films. However, Missing's Netflix success has allowed it to reach a new audience and prove itself as a worthy successor to the acclaimed thriller Searching. As such, it has the potential to stand out among the most popular releases of 2023.
Source: FlixPatrol, Various (see above)
