Elements of

Horror- Megan is
Missing
Rachelle Racette
Megan is Missing -2011

Psychological horror
film written, directed,
edited, and
co-produced by
Michael Goi.
Summary
Megan is Missing is an 2011 American found footage psychological
horror film about two teenage girls who encounter an online sexual
predator. Megan is a 14 year-old honors with a troubled past of heavy
drinking, drugs, and sexual assault. Amy is a socially awkward 13
year-old who clings to her friendship with Megan for social
acceptance. One day, Megan is introduced to a boy by the name of
Josh online. The two of them bond quickly and Megan finds herself
attracted to Josh, soon agreeing to meet him. Megan vanishes soon
after, never to be seen again. The police investigate her
disappearance but with no leads they assume that she just ran away.
However, Amy doesn’t believe that and her suspicions are confirmed
after a chat with Josh and security footage reveals that Megan was
abducted. Amy reports him to the police which re-sparks the
investigation to find Megan. But as the kidnappers attention turns to
Amy, nothing can prepare her for the horror to come.
Fears Present in Society

Based on research into several actual cases of child abduction,

Megan is Missing is an uncompromising, gut-wrenching, view of
the world children live in today. Harrowing in its realism, the film
uses only fact-based incidences to depict the lives of ordinary
kids walking in the midst of extraordinary evil.

This film connects to society's fears of catfishing and online

grooming. In today’s world, it is very easy to mask your identity
on the internet. On most apps, there is no way to reveal
someone’s identity unless they show you themselves. Because
of this, it’s very easy for young children who don’t know the
danger of online chatting to get roped into relationships with
possible predators and groomers.
Analysis: Foreshadowing, Tone, Suspense

While the movie doesn’t have traditional

foreshadowing like hints or clues about
future events. It does build a sense of dread
and anticipation through subtle visual cues
and ominous dialogue. These elements give
a foreboding atmosphere and give viewers a
sense that something is about to happen.
The tone of “Megan is Missing” can be
described as dark, intense, and unsettling.
The movie tackles some heavy themes and
portrays them in a raw and realistic way. It
aims to create a sense of unease and
discomfort in the audience by exploring the
danger of online predators and the dark side
of social media. The director builds tension
through the use of intense music, found
footage style, and unexpected twists.
Analysis:
Josh: [talking with Megan This quote in a sense shows verbal irony. Josh
online] I would never hurt says he would never hurt Megan but we know
you, Megan. it’s a lie, and Josh knows this is a lie as well. We
Megan Stewart: I know.
know this because Josh later tortures and kills
Josh: [teasingly] Do you?
Megan Stewart: Yes.
Megan. This also shows that as a person, Josh
Josh: Do you trust me? has no guilt about lying to Megan.
Megan Stewart: [smiles]
Yes. There is also situational irony which arises from
the fact that Megan, who initially appears
confident and in control of her online
interactions, ultimately becomes the victim of
the dangers she had underestimated. The
contrast between her initial understanding of
safety and her tragic outcome creates a sense
of situational irony within the narrative.
Analysis: Plot twists

There are several plot twists that occur

throughout the movie. The first twist is
when Megan goes missing shortly after
meeting a boy online, which leads to a
horrifying series of events. The second
twist occurs when the true identity and
intentions of the person Megan met
online are revealed. Lastly, the film
takes a turn towards the end, revealing
the horrific fate that befalls Megan.
These plot twists contribute to the
intense and unsettling nature of the
movie, leaving a lasting impact on the
audience.
 Plot

Megan becomes Amy is suspicious

involved with an online about Megan’s
predator and decides to disappearance and
meet up with him. goes looking for her

Climax Fa
g Ac llin
i n tio g
Ris tion n
Ac
Exposition Resolution
Megan is
kidnapped by
‘Josh’ and is Amy then gets
Megan and Amy are
introduced as best friends later tortured kidnapped looking
and their personalities and by him. for Megan, and in the
interests are established. end they are both
killed.
Analysis (how it connects to overall
impact)
The directors use of camera
angles, suspense,
foreshadowing, and plot
twists all contribute to the
overall effect to create a
lasting impact on the viewer.
The decisions the director
made in this movie help to
capture the unsettling nature
of the film.