Set in the rugged landscape of New Mexico in the late 19th century, The Missing is a gripping Western thriller directed by Ron Howard. The story revolves around Maggie Gilkeson (Cate Blanchett), a single mother living a hard life on the frontier with her two daughters, Lilly (Evan Rachel Wood) and Dot (Jenna Boyd). Maggie’s estranged father, Samuel Jones (Tommy Lee Jones), unexpectedly returns, seeking reconciliation after abandoning his family years earlier.
Their uneasy reunion takes a dramatic turn when Lilly is kidnapped by a band of outlaws led by the cruel and mystical Apache shaman, Chidin (Eric Schweig). The outlaws plan to sell Lilly and other captives into slavery across the Mexican border. Desperate to save her daughter, Maggie reluctantly joins forces with her father, whose knowledge of Native American ways and survival skills becomes crucial to tracking the kidnappers.
The pursuit is fraught with peril as Maggie and Samuel confront harsh wilderness, hostile tribes, and their own personal grievances. Along the way, Maggie begins to understand her fatherβs past and the reasons for his long absence, while Samuel seeks redemption through his unwavering determination to rescue Lilly.
The film climaxes in a tense confrontation between Maggie, Samuel, and Chidinβs band, resulting in a dramatic rescue. Maggie and Lilly are reunited, and Samuelβs bravery earns him a measure of forgiveness. The Missing explores themes of family, forgiveness, and resilience against the backdrop of a stark and dangerous frontier.