Watch Missing 411: The Hunted

Missing 411: The Hunted is a documentary film that explores the phenomenon of people going missing in national parks and other wilderness areas across the United States. It's the third installment in the Missing 411 series, following Missing 411 (2016) and Missing 411: The Hunted (2017). The movie is directed and produced by Michael DeGrazier, and features David Paulides, a former police detective and author of the Missing 411 book series, as well as interviews with family members of missing persons and other experts in the field.

The film begins with the stunning statistics of how many people go missing in the U.S. national parks every year. Although the numbers vary depending on the source, it's estimated that around 1,600 people disappear annually in these vast, rugged landscapes. What's more puzzling is the lack of official explanations for most of these cases, which often involve young children and experienced outdoorsmen who simply vanish without a trace.

The bulk of the documentary consists of interviews with family members of missing persons, some of whom have been searching for their loved ones for years. Their stories are heart-wrenching and emotional, as they recount the last moments they spent with their missing family members and the efforts they've made to find them.

One of the most compelling interviews is with Beverly Messick, a mother who tells the story of her son Larry who went missing in the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming in 2006. Despite an extensive search by local authorities and hundreds of volunteers, no trace of Larry has ever been found. Beverly speaks candidly about the feelings of guilt and loss that haunt her to this day, and the frustration she feels with the lack of answers.

The film also features interviews with search and rescue experts and law enforcement officials, who share their experiences and opinions on the missing persons cases. Some of the experts suggest that there may be a predatory element involved, with animals or even humans luring or abducting unsuspecting hikers and campers. Others speculate that there may be supernatural or extraterrestrial forces at work, citing strange sightings and unexplained occurrences in the wilderness.

The documentary also delves into some of the theories put forth by David Paulides in his books, which focus on the patterns and similarities that seem to emerge from the many missing persons cases he has investigated. Paulides suggests that there may be a government conspiracy to cover up the true extent of the problem, and that there may be a connection to Native American legends of the "Skinwalker", a malevolent shape-shifting creature said to inhabit the wilderness.

While the film does not provide any concrete solutions or answers to the missing persons cases, it raises important questions and highlights the need for more awareness and action in addressing this issue. The stunning footage of the national parks and wilderness areas themselves serves as a reminder of the beauty and mystery of these vast landscapes, and the importance of preserving and protecting them for future generations.

In conclusion, Missing 411: The Hunted is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a disturbing phenomenon that has remained largely overlooked and unexplained. The emotional testimonies of the family members whose loved ones have gone missing, combined with the expert commentary and stunning visuals, create a powerful and poignant film that is both informative and unsettling.

Missing 411: The Hunted is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.