Rosalind Elezar as Kat Donovan in Missing You. Photograph: Vishal Sharma/Netflix
Harlan Coben’s thrillers often follow a familiar yet gripping pattern: a sudden reappearance or shocking event disrupts a detective’s life, unraveling a web of secrets and conspiracies. Netflix’s adaptation of his 2014 novel Missing You continues in this tradition, delivering an engaging storyline peppered with unexpected turns.
Should You Watch Missing You?
The series begins with a mysterious scene: a man riding a horse at twilight, reflecting on a woman named Vanessa, before being abruptly thrown off. This enigmatic opening segues into a contrasting setting—a restaurant where Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar), a police detective, is on an underwhelming date. When a call from her friends Stacey (Jessica Plummer) and Aqua (Mary Malone) interrupts her night, Kat swiftly shifts gears to de-escalate a potentially violent incident in the kitchen, revealing her sharp instincts and dedication to her job.
'Missing You' Courtesy of Netflix
Kat works in the missing persons unit, where she is introduced to Charlie Pitts (Charlie Hamblett), a tech specialist, and tasked with a new case involving Rishi Magari (Rudi Dharmalingam). As the story unfolds, her personal life takes center stage when she stumbles upon her ex-fiancé Josh Buchanan (Ashley Walters) on a dating app. His sudden departure 11 years ago—coinciding with her father’s tragic murder—left unresolved questions that begin to resurface.
Complicating matters, Kat discovers that Monte Leburne (Marc Warren), the man convicted of her father’s murder, is terminally ill. Ignoring warnings to let the past rest, she confronts Leburne, leading to startling revelations that challenge her understanding of the case and Josh’s disappearance.
What Sets It Apart?
Missing You employs the classic Coben formula of weaving interconnected threads into a larger mystery. The first episode hints at links between Kat’s professional and personal turmoil, with characters like Stagger, Charlie, and even missing person Rishi likely playing pivotal roles in a broader conspiracy.
Rosalind Eleazar shines as Kat, embodying a mix of vulnerability and resilience. Her chemistry with the supporting cast, including Jessica Plummer and Mary Malone, adds depth to the narrative. The nostalgic ’80s music theme—reflected in episode titles and the dating app—adds a quirky touch, even if it feels slightly out of sync with the characters’ ages.
Photo: Vishal Sharma/Netflix
Our View
With its compelling performances and an intriguing premise, Missing You promises a thrilling ride despite some predictable twists. It’s a testament to Coben’s knack for crafting stories that keep viewers hooked, blending emotional depth with edge-of-your-seat suspense.
While the plot may occasionally lean on familiar tropes, its strong cast and engaging storytelling make it a worth watching.
