Sagasu / Missing (2021) - Tough to Digest - 6/10 (05/07/23)

Sagasu, internationally known as Missing, is a Japanese crime drama that walks off the beaten path and shocks with with an overdose of bleak nihilism. The story revolves around an alcoholic father who claims to have found a mysterious serial killer and parts to claim the reward. He leaves behind his teenage daughter who attempts to find out what has happened to her father who fails to come back home. While a nun wants to put her into an orphanage, a teacher keeps criticizing her and police officers are convinced that her father will never be coming back, the rebellious teenage daughter continues to investigate with a perverted classmate who is obsessed with becoming her boyfriend.

This movie convinces on a few levels. First and foremost, the initial mystery of the father's sudden disappearance makes for a dynamic start of the movie. The settings of a desolate downtown sector are intertwined with an isolated island showcasing stunning landscapes. Child actress Ito Aoi is a wonderful discovery as viewers will quickly empathize with the courageous, resilient and smart teenage daughter who defies authorities, conventions and expectations.

However, this film takes a turn for the worse when its perspective suddenly shifts from the fascinating lead actress to extended flashbacks that reveal too many secrets much too quickly. The movie takes an uncomfortably sinister turn as it takes its time to show numerous elements of murder, suicide and torture. The genre also changes from a quirky thriller to a depressing drama. This is certainly the type of movie to be watched on a gloomy autumn night all by yourself as this film definitely isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea to say the least.

The clever closing scene is almost conciliatory however and leaves viewers on a positive note. Despite being passable at the end of the day, the perspective shift sadly wastes much potential and the repetition of gloomy scenes drags on for far too long as it might only please particularly cynical cineasts. To get to the point, Sagasu, better known as Missing around the world, is certainly a crime drama that walks off the beaten path but not in a very convincing manner. This movie is only recommended to fans of gloomy, nihilistic and slow dramas. If you enjoy this film, I would also recommend the similarly sinister Japanese drama The Suicide Manual.