Megan is Missing Parental Guidance Review and Ratings. Age rating, objectionable content, positive messages, cast overview, and family suitability.
- VERDICT: Family suitability: ‘Megan is Missing’ is not family-friendly. Rated R for disturbing content, including sexual violence, profanity, and drug use. Not suitable for children.
- Release date: May, 2011
- Director: Michael Goi
- Writer: Michael Goi
- Stars: Amber Perkins, Rachel Quinn, Dean Waite, Jael Elizabeth Steinmeyer, Kara Wang
- Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
- Rating: R
Megan is Missing
Megan Is Missing is a 2011 found footage horror film directed by Michael Goi. The film follows two teenage girls, Megan Stewart (Rachel Quinn) and Amy Herman (Amber Perkins), who go missing after meeting a mysterious stranger online. The film is presented as a series of found videos, including webcam footage, home movies, and news reports.
- The film has been praised for its realistic depiction of the dangers of online predators. However, it has also been criticized for its graphic violence and sexual content. Some critics have argued that the film is exploitative and that it does more to titillate than to educate.
- The film’s use of found footage is effective in creating a sense of realism. However, the format can also be tedious at times.
- The film’s message about the dangers of online predators is important, but it is also somewhat heavy-handed.
- The film’s performances by the two lead actresses are convincing. However, the supporting cast is not as strong.
Age Rating and Content Warnings
Age Rating: Megan is Missing is rated R for its disturbing content, including sexual situations, violence, profanity, and drug use. It is not suitable for children under 17 without parental guidance.
Sex & Nudity
The movie contains several explicit scenes and discussions involving underage girls. Parents need to be aware of the following:
- Megan, who is 14, engages in oral sex with a boy named Ben. The scene is brief but explicit, showing her head bobbing over his crotch area.
- There is a makeout scene between Lexie and Chelsea, lasting about 8 seconds, during which Amy vomits on them.
- Megan mentions being raped in the past, though the act is not shown on screen.
- Amy is shown in her bra and panties for extended periods of time.
Note: No nudity is shown in the movie.
Violence & Gore
The film doesn’t contain excessive gore, but it implies several violent acts:
- Megan and her mother have violent yelling scenes.
- An older boy slaps Amy in the face.
- A dead body is shown onscreen, which has been decomposing for a while, and it may be alarming and unexpected.
Profanity
The movie includes strong language and profanity:
- At least 51 uses of the f-word, 19 uses of “Sh!t,” 6 uses of God, 4 uses of Jesus and @ss, 3 uses of Christ, 2 uses of H3ll, 1 use of P!ss, and 7 exclamations (shut up.)
- Megan gives “the middle finger” up to Ben.
- Name-calling includes derogatory terms like B!tch, Sl#t, Virgins, H0e, D0rk, Pathetic, Stalker, Cr4zy, F@t, Id!ot, Jerk, L0sers, Drag, Freak, Pimple, 0ld, Stup!d, Crappy, and Piece of Shit.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
The movie depicts teenagers using various drugs and drinking beer throughout, including Marijuana, Coke/Speed, and ecstasy.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
The last 22 minutes of “uncut” footage in the movie become very frightening and intense after the kidnapping occurs. Additionally, the rape scene is very intense, drawn out, and disturbing. Parents should be cautious about exposing their children to these distressing scenes.
Positive Messages and Themes
It is important to note that Megan is Missing contains dark and disturbing content, and there are no apparent positive messages or redeeming themes presented in the film.
Cast Overview
The movie stars Amber Perkins as Megan Stewart, Rachel Quinn as Amy Herman, and Dean Waite as Josh.
Overall Suitability for Children and Families
Megan is Missing is not recommended for children or young teenagers due to its extremely distressing and graphic content. The movie tackles sensitive and mature topics, including abduction, sexual violence, and drug use, which can be harmful and inappropriate for young audiences. Parents should exercise caution and discretion before allowing older teenagers to watch it, and it’s advisable for parents to preview the movie beforehand to determine its appropriateness based on their child’s maturity level.
FAQS
1. What is the age rating for ‘Megan is Missing’?
‘Megan is Missing’ is rated R for its disturbing content, including sexual situations, violence, profanity, and drug use. It is not suitable for children under 17 without parental guidance.
2. What makes ‘Megan is Missing’ unsuitable for young audiences?
The movie deals with mature and distressing themes, such as abduction, sexual violence, and drug use. It includes explicit scenes involving underage characters, making it unsuitable and potentially harmful for young audiences.
3. Are there any positive messages or themes in the movie?
No, ‘Megan is Missing’ does not present any apparent positive messages or redeeming themes. It focuses on the dark and disturbing aspects of its storyline without offering uplifting or meaningful insights.
4. Is there nudity in the movie?
No, there is no nudity shown in the movie. However, there are explicit sexual scenes and discussions involving underage characters that may still be inappropriate for young viewers.
5. How violent is ‘Megan is Missing’?
The movie contains implied violence, including intense yelling scenes, a slap in the face, and the discovery of a decomposed dead body. While it lacks excessive gore, the implied violence may be disturbing for some viewers.
6. Are there any content warnings for parents to be aware of?
Yes, parents should be aware of the explicit sexual content, violence, profanity, and drug use depicted in the movie. It also includes distressing scenes related to abduction and sexual violence.
7. Can older teenagers watch ‘Megan is Missing’?
While the movie is rated R and not recommended for children or young teenagers, older teenagers may watch it with parental guidance. Parents should preview the movie first and be prepared to discuss its content with their older teens.
8. How long is the intense and frightening part of the movie?
The intense and frightening part of the movie begins during the last 22 minutes of the ‘uncut’ footage, after the kidnapping occurs. This part of the film contains distressing scenes that can be emotionally overwhelming for viewers.
9. Does the movie depict drug use?
Yes, the movie shows teenagers using various drugs, including Marijuana, Coke/Speed, and ecstasy, throughout the story.
10. How can parents approach discussing the movie with their children?
Parents should prioritize open communication with their children. Discuss the movie’s themes and content, and gauge whether it is appropriate for their child’s maturity level. If parents decide it’s unsuitable, suggest alternative movies for entertainment.
11. Is ‘Megan is Missing’ based on a true story?
No, ‘Megan is Missing’ is not based on a true story, but it is presented as a found footage film, blurring the lines between fiction and reality to create a chilling viewing experience.
12. Are there any educational aspects to the movie?
While ‘Megan is Missing’ portrays real-life dangers and consequences, it does not provide educational insights or safety lessons. For a more constructive educational experience, parents may choose documentaries or movies that focus on positive messages and life lessons.
Tips for Parents
- Open Communication: Prioritize open communication with your children about the content of movies they wish to watch. Discuss the themes and potential distressing scenes in Megan is Missing to ensure they are emotionally prepared.
- Parental Guidance: For older teenagers, consider watching the movie together and be ready to provide support and guidance during or after the viewing experience.
- Age Restrictions: Respect the movie’s age rating and content warnings to protect your child from exposure to harmful and unsuitable content.
- Alternative Choices: If Megan is Missing is not suitable for your family, consider suggesting alternative movies that offer entertainment without disturbing or graphic themes.
- Monitoring Online Activity: Discuss internet safety and the risks of online interactions that may resemble events depicted in the movie.
The Verdict
Megan is Missing is not a family-friendly movie and is not suitable for children and young teenagers. It contains distressing and graphic content, including sexual situations, violence, profanity, and drug use. Parents should exercise caution and consider the maturity level of older teenagers before allowing them to watch this movie. It is essential to prioritize open communication and parental guidance to ensure a safe and appropriate movie-watching experience for young audiences.