Gone devilishly effective

“Gone”: devilishly effective

This fake “Research” sequel is stuck in front of the screen.

The universe is the same – Jon Cho also makes a brief appearance there – and so is the storytelling, as the whole film takes place via intermediary computer screens. Since Hollywood loves repetition and doesn’t take risks with innovation, we tell ourselves that this “disappeared” will likely be a pale clone of its predecessor. No way.

At the helm of this feature film are Nick Johnson and Will Merrick, the editors of the previous installment, with the story screen designed by Sev Ohanian and Aneesh Chaganty, the masterminds of Research.

The terrain is known. This time June Allen (Storm Reid) sees her mother Grace (Nia Long) and her new lover Kevin (Ken Leung – yes, almost all the characters are non-white) go on a trip to Colombia, since somewhat relieved it will allow him a week to celebrate long. But then, on the day of their return, Grace and Kevin didn’t get off the plane and, for good reason, never got on. So what happened? This is what June will discover at the end of a breathtaking and completely virtual investigation.

Since the release of Research in 2018, our relationship with technology has evolved significantly. Simple tools five years ago, webcams, search engines, web email and other applications are now embedded in every aspect of our work, family and love lives. Based on the fact that our addiction to computer technology gives us the impression that we can control the uncontrollable – in this case the disappearance of a loved one – and influence the course of events, Nick Johnson and Will Merrick weave a highly effective web of tension and twists, supported by more dynamic visuals than those of “Search”.

In 111 minutes, the two screenwriters and directors skillfully manipulate the viewer and let him experience the smallest adventures of the teenager’s investigations until June. So fear, trepidation and other surprising discoveries are the order of the day – although some gaping holes appear afterwards when the lights come on again.

So get ready for a fully satisfying roller coaster ride.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5
  • “Gone” will be shown in cinemas in the province from January 20th.