A Girl Missing is a drama film directed by Koji Fukada and stars Mariko Tsutsui as Ichiko, Mikako Ichikawa as Motoko, and Sosuke Ikematsu as Ichiko’s nephew, Tatsuo. The film explores the themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal through the lens of a private nurse who becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case.
Ichiko is a dedicated private nurse who has been caring for the matriarch of the Oishi family for years. She is respected and loved by the family members, including the eldest sister, Motoko. Ichiko is also secretly in love with Motoko's husband, but she never acts on her feelings.
One day, Ichiko's nephew, Tatsuo, kidnaps Motoko's younger sister, Saki. The media quickly pick up the story and reveal Tatsuo as the perpetrator. Ichiko is shocked and devastated, and her life soon spirals out of control. The Oishi family, whom she has grown close to, turn against her, and Ichiko becomes a social outcast.
As the details of the kidnapping case emerge, Ichiko begins to question her loyalty to her family and her obligations as a caregiver. She tries to reach out to Tatsuo and reconcile with the Oishi family, but her efforts are met with resistance and rejection.
The film is a slow-paced character study that delves into the complexities of human relationships. It subverts the typical kidnapping drama tropes and focuses instead on the emotional fallout of the crime. A Girl Missing has received critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and exceptional performances, particularly Mariko Tsutsui's portrayal of Ichiko.