Missing

This committed political film continues the themes explored in his earlier 'Z,' exposing sinister forces behind right-wing coups. This time the action is set in Chile at a time of brutal suppression. The repercussions are witnessed by Charlie (John Shea) and his wife Beth (Sissy Spacek), two young Americans, neither politically active. After Charlie is reported missing, his father Ed (Jack Lemmon), conservative and suspicious of the motives of his son and daughter-in-law, arrives to try to track him down. What he discovers sabotages his faith in the probity of his government.

This is an informed film that exposes details that still feel fresh. The acting is solid and likeable throughout, with a special nod to Jack Lemmon, who plays against type as, firstly, a surly and resentful patriarch, then an impassioned critic.