#MissingCouple (2024) is a found-footage horror thriller directed by Jacques Edeline and Oliver Mauldin. The film follows Janna and Austin, a social media influencer couple documenting their life as they transition from the nomadic #vanlife to settling down on a seemingly abandoned farm in rural Mississippi. What begins as an exciting project—renovating an old farmhouse while sharing their journey with thousands of followers—soon turns into an unsettling experience as they realize they might not be alone. Strange occurrences escalate from odd noises and misplaced objects to full-blown psychological and supernatural terror, leading to a gripping climax.
A Fresh Spin on the Found-Footage Genre?
Found-footage horror has had its highs and lows over the years, and #MissingCouple attempts to carve its own space by integrating modern social media culture into the format. The film is structured through livestreams, vlogs, and behind-the-scenes footage, making it feel eerily realistic—almost like an extended YouTube documentary gone horribly wrong. The use of smartphone and GoPro footage adds to the authenticity, making the scares feel immediate and unfiltered.
The film thrives on its slow-burn tension. Early on, it leans into the banality of influencer life, showing Janna and Austin engaging with followers, responding to comments, and dealing with sponsorships. The mundane realism makes the eventual horror even more jarring. The turning point—when small, eerie events become outright terrifying—is where the film truly grips the audience. However, this slow buildup is both a strength and a weakness, as some viewers might find the first act dragging before the real horror kicks in.
Performances and Characters
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its lead performances. Janna and Austin feel like real people, not exaggerated archetypes of influencers. They have chemistry, and their interactions—both affectionate and tense—mirror actual online personalities who live their lives for the camera. Janna, in particular, carries much of the emotional weight of the film, shifting from cheerful and ambitious to deeply paranoid as the supernatural elements intensify.
The supporting cast is minimal, consisting mostly of a few locals who warn the couple about the history of the property, but their presence adds a layer of unease. Their cryptic warnings are never fully explained, adding to the film’s ambiguous horror.
Creeping Dread vs. Cheap Thrills
#MissingCouple opts for atmospheric horror rather than relying on excessive jump scares. The scares are more psychological, slowly making the audience question what’s real and what’s paranoia. Shadows moving in the background, live-streamed glitches, and unexplained messages in the comments create an unsettling feeling of being watched—not just by an entity, but by thousands of online strangers.
However, some horror fans might find the payoff lacking. The climax, while unnerving, leaves several questions unanswered, which could frustrate those looking for clear resolutions. The ambiguity works in the film’s favor in some ways, keeping it open-ended and thought-provoking, but it also risks feeling incomplete.
Critical Reception and Audience Reactions
Reviews for #MissingCouple have been mixed. Some critics appreciate its commitment to realism and tension-building, while others feel that it doesn’t do enough with its intriguing premise. The Abominable Dr. Welsh criticized the film’s pacing, stating that while it starts with promise, it “meanders too long before the horror actually lands.” Meanwhile, Letterboxd users have been more divided—some praising its authenticity and others wishing for a more satisfying conclusion.
On IMDb, audience reactions are polarizing, with ratings spanning from 1/10 to 10/10. Some viewers appreciate how grounded it feels, while others complain that the payoff isn’t as thrilling as the buildup suggests. One user wrote, “It feels like something that could have actually happened… and honestly, I’m still not sure if it did or not!!”
Final Verdict
#MissingCouple is a well-crafted found-footage film that successfully integrates modern social media culture into its horror elements. It’s a slow burn with a creeping sense of dread, making it more psychological than outright terrifying. The performances are strong, and the realism adds to the immersive experience. However, its pacing and ambiguous ending might not work for everyone.
If you’re a fan of found-footage horror like The Blair Witch Project or Host, and you appreciate unsettling, realistic scares over loud jump scares, #MissingCouple is worth checking out. Just don’t expect all your questions to be answered by the time the credits roll.
Rating: 3/5
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