Set in bleak rural America, we follow the story of Louis (Stephan James), who after a childhood accident is left with a mental impairment and is raised by his sister Delia. After waking up to find her dead body on his kitchen floor, he is accused of her murder and sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Having served his time in jail, he now lives in a voluntary institution, where he is visited by 'Stacker' (Travis Fimmel), one of the last people to see his sister alive. Claiming to know more about Delia's murder, he sets Louis on a path to uncover who is really responsible for her mysterious death. Travis Fimmel is incredible in Vikings but I've never seen him break free of that character, offering the same performance on repeat. However this is the closest I've seen him come to breaking free of that mould. Cast as a broken man trying to rebuild his life and his family. As Louis leaves a path of destruction in his wake, he is pursued by ex Sherif Fran, played by Marisa Tomei who is uncharacteristically but deliberately unlikeable.
What helps set this film apart from most murder mysteries, is that instead of a grizzled detective who had solved countless cases, Louis sees the world differently and has to resort to unorthodox methods to find the clues and answers he needs.
The plot isn't overly complicated but I think this is a conscious decision made by the filmmakers, as if it were, it would make it less believable that Louis could follow a complex investigation.
This film isn't an action packed revenge thriller like John Wick. It's far more bleak and closer in style to True Detective. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, as the slow pacing and sparse landscapes can make it feel quite laboured in places. However as it only runs for 90 minutes, it's closer to watching an episode on Netflix than a feature film.
Some solid performances from the leads, an interesting concept and an intriguing murder to solve. If you're looking for a revenge crime thriller with a difference, then Delia's Missing is worth your time.
