Review: “Missing You” on Netflix: A Disappointing Mystery Series

“Missing You” is an overly convoluted and nonsensical mystery limited series that relies on ridiculous twists and turns to keep its protagonist in the dark. Detective Inspector Kat Donovan, played by Rosalind Eleazar, embarks on a journey to unravel the truth behind her fiancé’s disappearance, only to be met with a flurry of new mysteries at every turn. The show falls victim to the Netflix formula of over-explanation, repetition, and constant plot twists, leaving viewers frustrated and longing for a more engaging story. Premiering on January 1st, this series may keep you entertained, but you won’t feel good about it.

– The story is about a woman who has been lied to by everyone in her life and it becomes increasingly ridiculous as more secrets come to light.
– The only redeeming factor in this poorly written mystery is the talented cast who elevate the material.
– The series suffers from over-explanation, repetition, and an excessive amount of twists, making it hard to follow and unsatisfying.

“Missing You” is a mystery series that relies on a continuous stream of shocking revelations to keep its audience engaged. However, the convoluted plot and over-explanation of every twist and turn ultimately make it a frustrating and unsatisfying watch. Despite the shortcomings of the writing, the talented cast manages to elevate the material to some extent. Fans of Harlan Coben’s works and the performers involved may find enjoyment in “Missing You,” but most viewers will likely feel let down by its lack of coherence and excessive reliance on contrivances.

Harlan Coben, known for his popular page-turners, has seen several of his novels adapted into Netflix mini-series. These adaptations, including “Fool Me Once,” “Stay Close,” “The Stranger,” and the standout “Safe,” have garnered a dedicated following. “Missing You,” based on Coben’s 2014 novel, follows a similar pattern of buried secrets and characters kept in the dark. Rosalind Eleazar delivers a commendable performance as Detective Inspector Kat Donovan, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her fiancé’s disappearance and her father’s death. However, the initial promising premise soon loses its focus and becomes muddled with various subplots.

The series introduces an intriguing starting point—an unexpected encounter with Kat’s long-lost fiancé on a dating app. This discovery prompts Kat to question not only her fiancé’s disappearance but also the circumstances surrounding her father’s death. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers connections to other missing persons, including a young man whose mother dated her fiancé before vanishing herself. The story takes a further twist when James Nesbitt’s character, a charismatic crime boss with ties to her father, enters the picture. Almost everyone in Kat’s life possesses some crucial information regarding her fiancé or her father, resulting in a web of secrets that strains credibility.

One of the series’ major flaws is its repetitive and over-explanatory nature—a characteristic often found in Netflix productions. Plot points are hammered in repeatedly, serving the purpose of capturing distracted viewers who may only be half-engaged in the show. This approach prioritizes plot over character development and logical storytelling, resulting in a frustrating viewing experience. “Missing You” stretches out for five hours, prolonging the insults to the viewer’s intelligence. It becomes apparent that the series prioritizes being a background diversion rather than a creative endeavor worth investing in.

Despite its shortcomings, “Missing You” benefits from the talent of its cast. Rosalind Eleazar delivers a committed performance as Kat Donovan, even in a role that doesn’t fully utilize her abilities. James Nesbitt’s appearances as the crime boss inject much-needed energy into the series, providing some of its standout moments. The performances elevate the material whenever the writing falls flat, making the show somewhat salvagable.

“Missing You” is a flawed mystery series that ultimately disappoints. Its reliance on convoluted twists and over-explanation hinders the development of compelling characters and logical storytelling. While fans of Harlan Coben’s works and the talented cast may find some enjoyment in the series, most viewers will likely be put off by its lack of coherence and frustrating pacing. “Missing You” misses the mark, leaving audiences craving a more engaging and fulfilling viewing experience. RATING: 2 stars.