Vanished Into the Night (2024)

A Gripping Tale of Desperation and Mystery

“Vanished Into the Night” (2024) is a suspenseful drama directed by Renato De Maria, featuring a compelling performance by Riccardo Scamarcio as Pietro, a father grappling with a tumultuous divorce. The film also stars Annabelle Wallis, Massimiliano Gallo, and Gaia Coletti. Set against the picturesque backdrop of rural Italy, the story unfolds as Pietro embarks on a desperate mission to find his missing children after they disappear from their isolated country house.

The narrative begins with Pietro, who is already facing the emotional turmoil of a difficult divorce. His world is turned upside down when his children vanish without a trace, prompting him to confront not only the external dangers of the search but also the internal demons of his fractured family life. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers secrets that challenge his understanding of love, loyalty, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their children.

Visually, “Vanished Into the Night” captures the haunting beauty of the Italian countryside, using its serene landscapes to contrast the tension and urgency of the plot. The cinematography effectively builds suspense, immersing viewers in Pietro’s frantic search. Critics have noted the film’s ability to blend emotional depth with thrilling elements, making it a captivating watch.

Riccardo Scamarcio delivers a powerful performance, embodying the desperation and determination of a father on the brink. The supporting cast, particularly Annabelle Wallis and Massimiliano Gallo, adds layers to the narrative, enriching the story with their performances.

User ratings for “Vanished Into the Night” currently stand at 5.2/10 on IMDb, reflecting a mixed reception from audiences. While some viewers appreciate the film’s emotional core and suspenseful plot, others feel it lacks coherence in its storytelling.

Positive Aspects

1. Strong Lead Performances:
   • Riccardo Scamarcio and Annabelle Wallis deliver commendable performances. Scamarcio portrays the desperate father with conviction, while Wallis brings depth to her role as Elena, a psychotherapist caught in a difficult situation 1 2 3.
2. Beautiful Cinematography:
   • The film is noted for its aesthetic locations and beautiful cinematography, capturing the scenic landscapes of Italy. This visual appeal adds a layer of immersion to the otherwise formulaic thriller 4.
3. Tense and Fast-Paced:
   • “Vanished into the Night” maintains a tense and fast-paced narrative, which keeps the audience engaged despite its shortcomings. The film’s pacing helps in building a sense of urgency and suspense 5.
4. Entertainment Value:
   • Despite its flaws, the film offers escapist entertainment for fans of crime thrillers. It provides a 92-minute distraction with its formulaic yet engaging plot, making it a decent choice for those seeking light entertainment 6.

Mixed to Negative Aspects

1. Lack of Originality and Depth:
   • Critics have pointed out that the film’s plot is shallow and lacks originality. It closely follows the structure of the Spanish movie “Séptimo” from 2013, making it feel like a retread rather than a fresh take 7 8.
2. Weak Script and Character Development:
   • The script is criticized for being weak and prosaic, with poorly developed characters. This lack of depth prevents the audience from forming a meaningful connection with the characters, making their journey less impactful 9 10 11.
3. Misogynistic Undertones:
   • The film has been described as weirdly misogynistic, with a narrative that disproportionately highlights the father’s role over the mother’s contributions. This aspect has been a significant point of contention among critics 12.
4. Predictable and Underwhelming Plot Twists:
   • While the film includes plot twists, they are often seen as predictable and underwhelming. The twists fail to add the necessary shock value, leading to a lackluster and anticlimactic ending 13 14 15.
5. Overall Boring and Forgettable:
   • Many reviewers have found the film to be boring and forgettable. The middle section lacks thrill and excitement, and the overall execution fails to deliver the nail-biting tension expected from a good thriller 16 17.
6. Poor Audience Reception:
   • “Vanished into the Night” has received a harsh audience score of 15% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among viewers. This low approval rating reflects the film’s inability to resonate with its audience 18.

“Vanished into the Night” (2024) is a thriller that, despite strong lead performances and beautiful cinematography, falls short due to its lack of originality, weak script, and shallow character development. Directed by Renato De Maria, the film offers some entertainment value for fans of crime thrillers but ultimately fails to deliver a memorable or impactful experience. With mixed to negative reviews and a low audience score, it is best approached with tempered expectations.

For those seeking a visually appealing yet formulaic thriller, “Vanished into the Night” may provide a brief escape, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Vanished Into the Night” about?

“Vanished Into the Night” follows Pietro, a father who embarks on a desperate mission to find his missing children after they disappear from their isolated country house during a difficult divorce.

Is “Vanished Into the Night” suitable for all audiences?

The film is rated R, indicating it contains mature themes and content, making it more suitable for adult viewers.

Who directed “Vanished Into the Night”?

The film was directed by Renato De Maria, known for his work in Italian cinema.

How does this film compare to other thrillers?

“Vanished Into the Night” combines emotional depth with suspenseful storytelling, focusing on family dynamics and the lengths a parent will go to protect their children.

Where can I watch “Vanished Into the Night”?

“Vanished Into the Night” is available for streaming on Netflix starting July 11, 2024.

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Aspect	Details
Title	Vanished Into the Night (2024)
Director	Renato De Maria
Runtime	1 hour 45 minutes
Genre	Drama, Thriller
Themes	Family, Desperation, Mystery, Divorce
Main Cast	Riccardo Scamarcio (Pietro), Annabelle Wallis, Massimiliano Gallo, Gaia Coletti
Production Company	Produced by Netflix and Cattleya
Cinematography	Stunning visuals that highlight the contrast between the serene countryside and the tension of the plot.
Visual Effects	Minimal use of visual effects, focusing on practical elements to enhance realism.
Music	Original score that heightens the suspense and emotional stakes throughout the film.
User Ratings	IMDb: 5.2/10
Release Date	Available on Netflix starting July 11, 2024
Distribution	Distributed by Netflix
Filming Locations	Primarily filmed in Puglia, Italy, showcasing the region’s natural beauty.
Production Budget	Estimated at $8 million, reflecting the film’s independent production scale.
Target Audience	Fans of drama and thriller genres, particularly those interested in family-centric narratives.
Critical Reception	Mixed reviews, with some praising the emotional depth while others critique the pacing and coherence.
Sequel Potential	The film’s open-ended conclusion leaves room for potential sequels or further exploration of the characters’ lives.

Sources

• IMDb: Vanished Into the Night (2024)
• iWatchOnline: Vanished Into the Night
• Rotten Tomatoes: Vanished Into the Night