I have become a fan of Spanish movies, they seem to have what it takes. And so does this movie. It's a decent thriller, has a nice story with a few twists that keep you interested. Not very violent or scary type of thriller, but more of the action type. And I felt that it wasn't predictable. The basic idea is that of a mother and the things she would do, or get through, to save her kid. It's not exactly award-winning, but I enjoyed it very much. And so did my husband, and he is usually picky. The only scene I did not like is one that suggests animal violence, but don't worry, no animals do actually get hurt, and you can see that in the movie. So it is a nice movie that would please you and it definitely isn't a waste of time.
52 Reviews
Nice thriller with plenty of suspense, tension , intrigue, twists and turns
ma-cortes2 September 2018
This suspenseful film deals with a little boy, Domenech, wandering across the countryside, who allegedly has been kidnapped during school hours . He is son of a prestigious advocate at law, Blanca Portillo. When her child's alleged kidnapper, Andres Herrera , is realised for lack of a solid proof, the notorious attorney goes into action . While two Police Inspectors, Dechent and Romero, begin investigating the weird deeds, revealing the schoolboy was abducted by a hooded man . Step by step mystery starts to be unfold .Then things go wrong, including unintented and strongly horrible results.
This is a highly suspenseful and cerebral mystery thriller full of plot twists about bizarre facts happen to an advocate and her son, including an unexpected and disastrous denouement near the ending .Well-paced film with some really brilling scenes and disturbing images. It contains drama, tense events , shocks , and thrilling sequences especially in its final part. Hitchcock-style psychological thriller being surprisingly good and compellingly realized. Blanca Portillo gives a fine acting as the well known and reputable solicitor who when his son is abducted takes matter into her own hands with unexpected consequences. The charming kid Domenech plays decently the born deaf , introverted and friendless 12-year-old boy who suffers mobbing . Supporting cast is pretty good with important secondaries such as Antonio Dechent as the obstinate Police Inspector, Vicente Romero as the stubborn sub-inspector, Jose Maria Pou as a corrupt judge , Nausica Bonnin, Paulina Galvez , Miguel Angel Jenner, Andres Herrera, Macarena Gomez, and special mention for the veteran Jose Coronado at a brief appearance.
A very good musical score by Marc Vaillo, including intriguing and exciting sounds . Adding a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere by cameraman by Sergi Vartroli who displays a luxurious environment. The motion picture was well produced by Joaquin Prado and Mar Targarona herself, and stunningly written by Oriol Paulo, all of them creators of a lot of hits. The film was compactly made by Mar Targarona . She is a notorious producer , including titles as Orfanato, El habitante incierto, X3PD, Vivancos, Quien mato a Bambi , Las manos del pianista and El cuerpo directed by Oriol Paulo. Mar has directed a few films such as Boix photographer of Mauthausen and series as Muere mi vida and Abuela de verano . Rating 7.Above average Well worth watching
This is a highly suspenseful and cerebral mystery thriller full of plot twists about bizarre facts happen to an advocate and her son, including an unexpected and disastrous denouement near the ending .Well-paced film with some really brilling scenes and disturbing images. It contains drama, tense events , shocks , and thrilling sequences especially in its final part. Hitchcock-style psychological thriller being surprisingly good and compellingly realized. Blanca Portillo gives a fine acting as the well known and reputable solicitor who when his son is abducted takes matter into her own hands with unexpected consequences. The charming kid Domenech plays decently the born deaf , introverted and friendless 12-year-old boy who suffers mobbing . Supporting cast is pretty good with important secondaries such as Antonio Dechent as the obstinate Police Inspector, Vicente Romero as the stubborn sub-inspector, Jose Maria Pou as a corrupt judge , Nausica Bonnin, Paulina Galvez , Miguel Angel Jenner, Andres Herrera, Macarena Gomez, and special mention for the veteran Jose Coronado at a brief appearance.
A very good musical score by Marc Vaillo, including intriguing and exciting sounds . Adding a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere by cameraman by Sergi Vartroli who displays a luxurious environment. The motion picture was well produced by Joaquin Prado and Mar Targarona herself, and stunningly written by Oriol Paulo, all of them creators of a lot of hits. The film was compactly made by Mar Targarona . She is a notorious producer , including titles as Orfanato, El habitante incierto, X3PD, Vivancos, Quien mato a Bambi , Las manos del pianista and El cuerpo directed by Oriol Paulo. Mar has directed a few films such as Boix photographer of Mauthausen and series as Muere mi vida and Abuela de verano . Rating 7.Above average Well worth watching
Who is the cat and who is the mouse?
gridoon202414 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Secuestro" is written by Oriol Paulo, the writer-director of the superior thrillers "El Cuerpo" and "Contratiempo" (both highly recommended), and writer of the suspenseful "Julia's Eyes" (also recommended). "Secuestro" may not be quite up to those movies, but it's still an absorbing, twisty and intricate thriller. Paulo once again places ordinary people in an unusual situation that just spirals out of control. This film may not blow you away, but it will surprise you. *** out of 4.
Several very good plots.
sammygbr17 April 2020
I don't want to give it away, but all too often you can see the end coming a mile away, but not on this film.
It's a low budget film, but really well done, twists and turns right to the very end. I noticed someone commented about the dog fighting scene. It's not real, no more than the bruises on the kid.
It's a low budget film, but really well done, twists and turns right to the very end. I noticed someone commented about the dog fighting scene. It's not real, no more than the bruises on the kid.
A Good Crime Thriller
rodrickEle29 July 2018
This is a good crime thriller that keeps the audience attention until the final scene. I only found myself out of the movie in a couple of scenes that they could have been shorter, for instance when the main actress and her ex husband meet for first time. I think that is the only negative I found in the film, the rest of the scenes are there to move the story towards the conclusion and they do it well.
Overall I was immersed, intrigued and surprised with each of the twists in the story. Watch it if you like crime thrillers.
Overall I was immersed, intrigued and surprised with each of the twists in the story. Watch it if you like crime thrillers.
Not pretending. Original
MAD_PIGE0N14 April 2020
What starts as a good idea will twist not once, not twice, but few times in order to deliver you the outcome - it's been a while since I haven't been that surprised of a regular movie. Can't complain of camera, scenes or acting, while non of those shine, they're just as good as necessary. It might look too easy to happen in some moments, but it isn't bad at all.
Having something that often happens at school progressing in that geometric way while it mixes up with the depraved judicial system, the honest policeman and going through the criminal world is worth watching as a pure crime-thriller. And is not often to see.
Having something that often happens at school progressing in that geometric way while it mixes up with the depraved judicial system, the honest policeman and going through the criminal world is worth watching as a pure crime-thriller. And is not often to see.
Gripping Thriller
daviddunn-9065317 March 2021
I have found myself, through Netflix, watching more and more Spanish movies. I have yet to see a bad one and this is no exception.
A well crafted production, it held my attention for its entirety.
There are a few gruesome scenes that may not be for the fainthearted, but the unexpected pay off at the end is worth it. If you like your movies with twists and turns, then this is the one for you.
A well crafted production, it held my attention for its entirety.
There are a few gruesome scenes that may not be for the fainthearted, but the unexpected pay off at the end is worth it. If you like your movies with twists and turns, then this is the one for you.
This Is An "OH S**T!" Movie
Foutainoflife12 August 2018
This was a great movie.
We have a dishevelled, slightly bloody boy found walking a secluded road who, when taken to the hospital and questioned by both police and high priced attorney mom, states that he was kidnapped. A suspect is identified and question but with no incriminating evidence, is released only to be seen following mom and son the next day as well as a disturbance at their residence in the following days. When mom believes that the cops will not be able to manage the culprit, she takes matters into her own hands. Never a good idea, folks.
This movie has more than a couple of twists and I never saw a couple of them coming. That qualifies it as awesome in my opinion. It's not the same old story that is played out all the time. The only complaint I have is that I had to read subtitles and that's a pain but this movie is one of the reasons I watch foreign movies. Check it out. This one is worth it.
We have a dishevelled, slightly bloody boy found walking a secluded road who, when taken to the hospital and questioned by both police and high priced attorney mom, states that he was kidnapped. A suspect is identified and question but with no incriminating evidence, is released only to be seen following mom and son the next day as well as a disturbance at their residence in the following days. When mom believes that the cops will not be able to manage the culprit, she takes matters into her own hands. Never a good idea, folks.
This movie has more than a couple of twists and I never saw a couple of them coming. That qualifies it as awesome in my opinion. It's not the same old story that is played out all the time. The only complaint I have is that I had to read subtitles and that's a pain but this movie is one of the reasons I watch foreign movies. Check it out. This one is worth it.
Doesn't suck you in as convincingly as Contratiempo
fredrikgunerius7 August 2023
Secuestro was the first of two 'crime movies with a twist' written by Oriol Paulo for a 2016 release - the second being the ingenious Contratiempo (both featuring Jose Coronado in quite a predicament, by the way). As directed by Mar Targarona, Secuestro doesn't suck you in as convincingly as does Contratiempo. The plot is undoubtedly interesting, as are the characters, but the presentation is more awkward, resulting in a film which takes some time to settle. Also, Blanca Portillo is a little bit miscast in the lead. That being said, Paulo's inventiveness and some forceful supporting performances from Andrés Herrera and the aforementioned Coronado make Secuestro an enjoyable watch.
20 minutes in and as many number of plot holes
sarkara5 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Had to stop watching after 20 minutes because the number of absurdities that kept piling up every minute. It seems the director saw some police procedural on TV, and attempted to cash in on the rise in popularity of Spanish crime thrillers.
Let's count: 1. Mother of kidnapped boy leaks information to press without the knowledge of the cops working on the case. 2. Police speak to deaf and mute boy without a professional sign language interpreter. They allow the mother, who's the person closest to the child and the most emotionally incapable of making objective decisions interpret the boy's versions of events to them. 3. The boy helps make a photo composite which somewhat matches to a person in the system (instantly). The subordinate officer informs his superior in front of the mother, who then proceeds to coerce the boy into recognizing the photograph in the system while the cops stand there scratching their cojones. No photo lineup, no nothing. The suspect's personal information is in plain view while this event unfolds.
Let's stop.
Let's count: 1. Mother of kidnapped boy leaks information to press without the knowledge of the cops working on the case. 2. Police speak to deaf and mute boy without a professional sign language interpreter. They allow the mother, who's the person closest to the child and the most emotionally incapable of making objective decisions interpret the boy's versions of events to them. 3. The boy helps make a photo composite which somewhat matches to a person in the system (instantly). The subordinate officer informs his superior in front of the mother, who then proceeds to coerce the boy into recognizing the photograph in the system while the cops stand there scratching their cojones. No photo lineup, no nothing. The suspect's personal information is in plain view while this event unfolds.
Let's stop.
What is it worth?
kosmasp15 June 2017
Spanish thrillers are on the rise some would argue. And they would have good reasons and examples that prove their point. One of them is right here. I generally do not like to talk about plot or anything story related and I do think that just the tag line for this is enough. You can feel with the mother and understand at least on some level what she is going through.
Having said that, it's not like she chooses always the best way to handle things. But imagine if it was your kid. Now of course some things that happen are coincidental, but that does not mean you can't watch it again for various reasons. Just the way it develops and where it lands are enough to make this a satisfying view ...
Having said that, it's not like she chooses always the best way to handle things. But imagine if it was your kid. Now of course some things that happen are coincidental, but that does not mean you can't watch it again for various reasons. Just the way it develops and where it lands are enough to make this a satisfying view ...
Boy Missing
santhosh-1029028 November 2020
Descends into incompetency
ikanboy31 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Starts off well enough. The less modulated Hispanic dramas have a way of throwing in everything including the kitchen sink. This one throws in the kitchen as well. At the point our lawyer anti hero gets blackmailed the plot amps up speed ignoring all speed bumps. First she eludes the cops then without a blink they are on her again, and miss the money exchange, and then, a first in any cop movie I have ever seen the pursuing sole cop car runs out of gas (so that our lawyer can have ten minutes finding her son) and show up in time to witness the final et voila (ca y est?) moment. I don't think the writer liked lawyers much.
Good twists and turns.
deloudelouvain13 January 2024
Secuestro (or Boy Missing for the English title) is a Spanish crime/thriller made by director Mar Targarano. There are a lot of good things about this movie, like the acting from the entire cast. They were all very believable in their roles, even the kid was very convincing. And of course the plot itself. The story has some good twists and turns, the kind you don't really see coming, which is a good thing in my opinion. I like to be surprised. It's all very easy to follow, nothing complicated, just a well written story and all nicely shot. Perfect for people that like mysteries or crime/thrillers.
A decent suspense thriller
munchingonpopcorn3 July 2019
Boy Missing (Spanish - 2016) - A child abuse incident takes a weird turn, almost so much as to get out of hand. Specially so, as it involves the son of a well known lawyer who is powerful with high level contacts. Through the various twists and turns, involving a mix of suspense, emotions, action we grapple to figure out the real motivation of the wrongdoers - or rather who are the "bad" people". Though I wasn't entirely taken aback as to who the "villain" was, yet the way it was presented, was engrossing.
Though it would be far fetched to say that it was exceptional, I did fairly enjoy watching the fast pace action and the elements of uncertainties.
Signal everywhere
dkheel7730 August 2019
It was OK
xMaterCorvusx4 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Too many twists and turns, I was like "what???" It went from having a great plot to what the heck is going on now because there's at least two plots in one film...
**SPOILER ALERT** I was really into it when I thought it was about the lawyer mother trying to help her son find his kidnapper and bring him to justice. I figured there was going to be some kind of twist, thus the bullying which was hidden behind the "kidnapping". After that was dealt with, the lawyer had to deal with her ex-lover and these two guys who blackmailed her. The rest of it, which was basically cleaning up the son's mess (That is why you don't cry wolf) just made it frustrating once you realized what was going to happen to the mom. But let me just say I was stoked when I realized Macarena Gomez was in this! I love her, she's incredible and it was really nice to see her play a normal character, one that isn't so dark or crazy =P
**SPOILER ALERT** I was really into it when I thought it was about the lawyer mother trying to help her son find his kidnapper and bring him to justice. I figured there was going to be some kind of twist, thus the bullying which was hidden behind the "kidnapping". After that was dealt with, the lawyer had to deal with her ex-lover and these two guys who blackmailed her. The rest of it, which was basically cleaning up the son's mess (That is why you don't cry wolf) just made it frustrating once you realized what was going to happen to the mom. But let me just say I was stoked when I realized Macarena Gomez was in this! I love her, she's incredible and it was really nice to see her play a normal character, one that isn't so dark or crazy =P
Interesting and worth checking out but nothing revolutionary
The_Celluloid_Sage6 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Boy Missing is a curious little low budget (comparatively) film from Spain containing a mute boy, an over-zealous mother, revenge, blackmail, murder, lies, deceit and intrigue than you can shake a stick at.
We open to a shot of a young boy (Domènech) walking along a dusty road. Shirt torn, pulled out from his pants and covered in blood. A passing car stops and next we see him at the hospital while two police officers question a nurse as the boy refuses to talk. The boys mother (well acted by Portillo), a well know defense attorney (after successfuly defending a client of serious embezzlement charges) arrives and explains to the police that he deaf and mute.
After the police identify a possible suspect but later release him, Patricia (Portillo) is incensed at the police's ineptitude. She contacts her sons father and this begins a series of disastrous events that lead to more and more complicated and unexpected consequences. Her actions to these events just lead to further consequences.
This film does highlight some ifficult social issues and I felt that the interaction between mother and son was very well done. it is also a thought provoking film which is also dealing with the consequences of our actions, whether thought out or acting impulsively and how we deal with said consequences. At it's core this is quite a simple story that around half way through the film becomes more and more convuluted and messy as the script starts to head in multiple directions.
There are numerous twists and turns but unfortunately some serious flaws do let the film down somewhat. Despite that, Spain is pushing out some half-decent stuff of late, especially in this genre and this one is no exception. Add in a very unusual ending (which is refreshing from the cookie cutter stuff coming out of Hollywood of late) and all in all this is something a little different that certainly holds your interest.
The acting is above average by all those that matter, especially from Portillo who plays her part brilliantly and while it does admittedly get messy near the end, the script is also reasonable. All other aspects of this low budget film are also reasonable with nothing really needing pointing out or requiring criticism. if you're looking for an entertaining, intriguing thriller type, you could do much worse than giving this a try.
The Sage's Rating: 6/10
We open to a shot of a young boy (Domènech) walking along a dusty road. Shirt torn, pulled out from his pants and covered in blood. A passing car stops and next we see him at the hospital while two police officers question a nurse as the boy refuses to talk. The boys mother (well acted by Portillo), a well know defense attorney (after successfuly defending a client of serious embezzlement charges) arrives and explains to the police that he deaf and mute.
After the police identify a possible suspect but later release him, Patricia (Portillo) is incensed at the police's ineptitude. She contacts her sons father and this begins a series of disastrous events that lead to more and more complicated and unexpected consequences. Her actions to these events just lead to further consequences.
This film does highlight some ifficult social issues and I felt that the interaction between mother and son was very well done. it is also a thought provoking film which is also dealing with the consequences of our actions, whether thought out or acting impulsively and how we deal with said consequences. At it's core this is quite a simple story that around half way through the film becomes more and more convuluted and messy as the script starts to head in multiple directions.
There are numerous twists and turns but unfortunately some serious flaws do let the film down somewhat. Despite that, Spain is pushing out some half-decent stuff of late, especially in this genre and this one is no exception. Add in a very unusual ending (which is refreshing from the cookie cutter stuff coming out of Hollywood of late) and all in all this is something a little different that certainly holds your interest.
The acting is above average by all those that matter, especially from Portillo who plays her part brilliantly and while it does admittedly get messy near the end, the script is also reasonable. All other aspects of this low budget film are also reasonable with nothing really needing pointing out or requiring criticism. if you're looking for an entertaining, intriguing thriller type, you could do much worse than giving this a try.
The Sage's Rating: 6/10
Heavily underrated
i_darii5 August 2020
A lot of inconsistency
wellitonnrocha7 September 2020
The premise of the movie seems good and the plots well done but the mistakes toke in the script ruined it.
The one who really annoyed me was the mother lawyer that supposed to be clever.
The police strategy was unbelievable unreal.
You can't immerse in the movie because of those inconsistencies.
The one who really annoyed me was the mother lawyer that supposed to be clever.
The police strategy was unbelievable unreal.
You can't immerse in the movie because of those inconsistencies.
Dog fight was unnecessary
juanitahearts30 May 2019
GREAT THRILLER
Guanche482 November 2021
I really liked this movie.
Unpredictable and exciting with good actors and acting.
The ending is fantastic and totally unexpected, but each one with their own tastes.
Don't miss it if you like good Spanish thrillers, and this one is very realistic and well done.
Unpredictable and exciting with good actors and acting.
The ending is fantastic and totally unexpected, but each one with their own tastes.
Don't miss it if you like good Spanish thrillers, and this one is very realistic and well done.
Not the best not the worst
garycn-4190128 January 2021
Overall the storyline is wonderful... what a brilliant idea....but there were just a few things I could NOT get past...and wish I could have cause I would have enjoyed this sooo much more...
1) The mothers age as it pertained to the child...ok maybe its more the mother... guyish looking... oldish... wasnt crazy about the selection of actress....felt like she was perhaps not always a female? hate to say it but it left me feeling that way
2) The absolute horrid use or attempt at use of sign language... what exactly was that? It kept me completely perplexed... Clearly the actors did NOT know sign language..and used certain signs during there complete conversation.. ANd I know what some will say... the boy could read lips..yes thats fine..but they still tried to do this IN THE DARK... in a few scenes..It just didnt work ..not at all.. and to TRY was worse than writing the entire angle out.. Clumsy of them...
The cinematography is great...movies well shot.. suspense everywhere.. Its NOT a bad movie if you can get over these two things...not at all..so I rated it "decent"...
*Tip for animal scenes.. ALWAYS watch movies with your pet.. when tuff scnes come about...turn straight to your pet till its over and think about how much you love them... works everytime for us...
1) The mothers age as it pertained to the child...ok maybe its more the mother... guyish looking... oldish... wasnt crazy about the selection of actress....felt like she was perhaps not always a female? hate to say it but it left me feeling that way
2) The absolute horrid use or attempt at use of sign language... what exactly was that? It kept me completely perplexed... Clearly the actors did NOT know sign language..and used certain signs during there complete conversation.. ANd I know what some will say... the boy could read lips..yes thats fine..but they still tried to do this IN THE DARK... in a few scenes..It just didnt work ..not at all.. and to TRY was worse than writing the entire angle out.. Clumsy of them...
The cinematography is great...movies well shot.. suspense everywhere.. Its NOT a bad movie if you can get over these two things...not at all..so I rated it "decent"...
*Tip for animal scenes.. ALWAYS watch movies with your pet.. when tuff scnes come about...turn straight to your pet till its over and think about how much you love them... works everytime for us...
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
