Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Ben Affleck’s directorial debut is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking.

What is Gone Baby Gone about?

Two Boston private investigators are hired to find a missing four-year-old girl in a case that raises difficult questions.

Where can you watch Gone Baby Gone?

Netflix. It’s also available on DVD.

Trigger Warnings:

Violence. Sexual innuendos. Substance abuse. Disturbing, graphic images.

My review of Gone Baby Gone

For his directorial debut, Ben Affleck gives us a thriller that’s as gripping and entertaining as it is thought-provoking. Gone Baby Gone (based on the 1998 novel) is a profound, raw study of human nature, relationships, the dark dynamics of a broken society, and the hard choices life puts in front of us. The ending will break your heart, but it also couldn’t be more perfect.

Amy Ryan and Casey Affleck in Gone Baby Gone | from IMDB.com

The dialogue is crisp and realistic. The Boston setting comes to life, which makes the whole story that much more immersive.

Gone Baby Gone doesn’t compromise on thrills, either. I enjoy a smart plot with themes that make you think and question, but I also love suspense, action, twists, and romance, and this movie delivers on all fronts. The story is never light-hearted, but it is exciting and entertaining. It keeps your heart racing. I love that.

Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan in Gone Baby Gone | from IMDB.com

The casting is perfect. Casey Affleck wasn’t his brother’s first choice for the role (he was ninth on the list, apparently) but I’m glad it went to him. He has such an understated, yet grounding screen presence, and I find him mesmerising to watch.

The supporting cast - notably Morgan Freeman, Amy Ryan (who was Oscar-nominated for this performance) and Ed Harris - are excellent, too. I enjoyed watching everyone in their roles.

Have you seen Gone Baby Gone? What did you think of it?