Missing at 17

Missing at 17 is a gripping 2013 Lifetime movie that blends the elements of suspense, drama, and action to portray a teenager's dangerous adventure into the unknown. The movie is directed by Doug Campbell and features renowned screen performers Ayla Kell, Tricia O'Kelley, and Ben Gavin, among others.

In the lead role is Ayla Kell, who plays Candace, the 17-year-old adopted girl on the brink of adulthood. Being an adoptee, Candace has daily struggles with her identity, contributing to a sullen and withdrawn attitude in an otherwise tranquil family setting. She yearns for more, she yearns for her roots. Kell does justice to the complexities of her character. Through her incisive performance, viewers can feel the emotional struggle of teenage angst aggravated by Candace’s idiosyncratic life circumstances.

Dana, as portrayed by Tricia O'Kelley, is Candace's concerned adoptive mother. Dana lives a perfect life with her loving husband, Scott and Candace. The idealistic family life changes dramatically when Candace, fuelled by her teenage angst, runs away from home. Dana then embarks on a journey to find her adopted daughter, navigating her worst fears to keep the family together. O'Kelley vividly displays the pathos of a protective mother desperate to save her family and scared for the safety of her troubled teenage daughter.

Ben Gavin plays Toby, a charismatic but mysterious young man who crosses paths with Candace during her runaway venture. Toby’s alluring charm is quickly shadowed by his obscure personality as the viewers are kept guessing on his role and motivations in the unfolding events. Gavin’s performance keeps viewers intrigued, evoking a sense of foreboding and uncertainty.

As the story progresses, viewers are thrown into an intricate mix of suspense and trepidation. The city streets, unfamiliar and full of potential threats, becomes the backdrop for Candace's expedition upon running away. She encounters unanticipated risks and unknown people, offering a vivid depiction of a girl in search of herself while standing at the precipice of imminent danger.

In parallel, the narrative takes us back to Dana's desperate attempts to find her daughter. Overwhelmed with fear and worry, Dana's actions lead her into an investigating journey of her own - she delves into her daughter’s life, uncovering secrets and truth she wasn't aware of. The movie effectively juxtaposes the heart-wrenching struggle of a mother to find her lost daughter with the audacious journey of a teenager traipsing down a dangerous rabbit hole, making it riveting to the viewers.

Missing at 17 brilliantly unravels the themes of identity, family, and the coming-of-age journey. It offers a poignant look into adoption and its profound effects on a teenager’s sense of self-worth and belonging. The movie questions the essence of family – does it lie in blood and roots, or affection and care? And amidst all odds, how far will a mother go to keep her family safe?

Furthermore, the movie adeptly navigates the trials and turbulence of adolescence. It delves into the struggles of a teenager trapped in the conflict of self-discovery and risk - a conflict that may lure them down a starkly unforeseen path. The film serves as a cautionary tale for teenagers about the potential dangers lurking in their seemingly adventurous acts of rebellion, as well as a wake-up call for parents to be more attuned to their children's emotional needs.

Director Doug Campbell has done an excellent job in blending gripping suspense with compelling emotional drama. The pulsating storyline, coupled with close-to-life performances by Kell, O’Kelley, Gavin, and the rest of the cast, keeps viewers hooked till the end.

Missing at 17 showcases powerful performances, colorful characterizations, and a story that probes the depths of adolescent unrest and a mother's unconditional love. It is a potent blend of drama, suspense, and real-world issues, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.