Missing You hits Netflix on January 1.
Netflix’s Missing You had the makings of a gripping thriller with an intriguing premise and the pedigree that comes with being a Harlan Coben adaptation, of which the streaming service has produced several. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a miniseries that collapses under the weight of its own convoluted storytelling.
The series begins with an undeniably interesting setup: Detective Kat Donovan discovers her long-lost fiancé on a dating app, only to uncover a web of personal and professional mysteries tied to his reappearance. It’s the kind of hook that promises a taut, suspenseful narrative, but Missing You gets lost in its own sauce. The plot becomes so tangled in its twists and turns that it loses sight of the story’s core, leaving viewers more confused than compelled. The narrative feels overstuffed yet somehow hollow, unable to sustain the intrigue of its premise.
While the performances are passable, they can’t save the show from its poorly constructed dialogue. Conversations often feel stilted and artificial, making the characters seem less like real people and more like vessels for clunky exposition. Even talented actors like Rosalind Eleazar, who brings a steady presence to Kat, and Richard Armitage, whose charisma typically elevates any project, can’t overcome a script that doesn’t do them justice.
Visually, Missing You suffers from uninspired cinematography and poor lighting, which strip the series of any atmosphere or tension. For a mystery that should thrive on its ability to create mood and suspense, the drab presentation is a major disappointment. The lack of visual flair is emblematic of the series as a whole—functional at best, and bland at worst.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Missing You is how it squanders its potential. The concept had the ingredients for an engaging, tightly plotted mystery, but the execution falters at nearly every turn. Instead of being engrossed in the twists, you’re left questioning why they don’t land with more impact. The suspense dissipates, and what remains is a jumbled narrative that feels like it’s going through the motions.
In the end, Missing You is a slog, undone by weak writing, lackluster visuals, and a failure to deliver on its initial promise. While the performances manage to keep it from being a total disaster, the series feels like a placeholder in Netflix’s catalog rather than a standout. For a thriller, it’s sorely lacking in thrills.
I give Missing You a D+.
TV and City 