The Vanished

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 21, 2020

Genre
Mystery, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Thomas Jane as Paul Michaelson
• Anne Heche as Wendy Michaelson
• Jason Patric as Sheriff Baker
• Peter Facinelli as Deputy Rakes
• Aleksei Archer as Miranda
• John D. Hickman as Tom

Director
Peter Facinelli

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Breaking & Exiting (2018)

Producer
Peter Facinelli, Sasha Yelaun, Brandon Menchen

Writer
Peter Facinelli

Budget
$3 million (estimated)

Production Company
Saban Films, Paramount Pictures, Gato Negro Films

Running Time
115 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Intense violence
• Mature themes
• Some disturbing content

Movie Story
“The Vanished” is a psychological thriller that centers around Paul (Thomas Jane) and Wendy Michaelson (Anne Heche), a married couple who experience every parent’s worst nightmare—the disappearance of their 10-year-old daughter, Taylor, during a family camping trip. Set in a remote RV park, the film captures the couple’s frantic and desperate search for their missing child, as they grow increasingly frustrated with the local authorities’ slow progress.

As the investigation intensifies, Paul and Wendy take matters into their own hands, convinced that time is running out to save their daughter. Their actions become more erratic and extreme, revealing cracks in their relationship and exposing buried secrets. Sheriff Baker (Jason Patric) and Deputy Rakes (Peter Facinelli) struggle to piece together the mystery as more questions than answers emerge.

The film weaves in elements of suspense and psychological tension as the couple’s relentless pursuit of the truth leads them down a dark and dangerous path. As they uncover disturbing clues and make shocking discoveries, the lines between reality and paranoia blur. The film’s final twist forces the audience to re-evaluate everything they’ve seen, leaving a lasting impression.

Special Effects
“The Vanished” is more focused on character-driven tension and psychological suspense than on special effects. The film’s rural setting and cinematography work together to create a haunting and claustrophobic atmosphere, emphasizing the isolation and desperation of the characters.

Box Office Performance
“The Vanished” was released on digital platforms and in select theaters, reaching a wide audience due to its availability on streaming services. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its twist ending and performances, while others criticized its pacing and plot development. Despite this, it attracted attention for its psychological depth and the strong performances of its lead actors.

Filming Locations

• Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re either with me or against me, but I’m not giving up on her.” – Paul Michaelson
• “Sometimes, the truth is the hardest thing to find.” – Sheriff Baker

Behind-the-Scenes
Peter Facinelli, who wrote, directed, and acted in the film, drew inspiration from real-life fears and the primal instincts of parents when their child is in danger. The film was shot on a tight schedule, with the cast and crew working intensively to capture the raw emotions of the story.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
“The Vanished” is a tense and gripping psychological thriller that explores the lengths to which parents will go to protect their child. The film’s strong performances, particularly from Thomas Jane and Anne Heche, add depth to the story, even as the plot takes some unexpected turns. While the pacing and certain plot elements may not work for everyone, the film’s twist ending provides a memorable conclusion that challenges the viewer’s perceptions. For fans of mystery and psychological thrillers, “The Vanished” offers a compelling, if unsettling, watch.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10