The Missing

The Missing is the Philippines’ first animated Oscars® submission for Best International Feature. It is an ambitious piece by director Carl Joseph Papa, merging rotoscoped and traditional animation. It depicts the personal journey of a young animator, Eric, who has no mouth and cannot speak. Blending elements of sci-fi and Eric’s childhood memories, the film gradually reveals Eric’s unspoken secret and trauma. He tries to reclaim his body parts, which had been taken away by aliens, with the company of his mother and his boyfriend. Their selfless company encourages Eric to face his past and open his heart. The film delves into the importance of real-life relationships and the support from others. The absorbing narrative and fantastic rotoscoped animation make this film a must-see.