GONE GIRL | FAMILY MOVIE REVIEW INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND KIDS

"GONE GIRL"
(2014) (Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike) (R)

NOTE:: The following review contains some spoilers about revelations and discoveries that occur in the film.

QUICK TAKE:: Dramatic Thriller: A professor must contend with the disappearance of his wife and allegations that he might have killed her.

PLOT:

On the day of their fifth wedding anniversary, writing professor Nick Dunne (BEN AFFLECK) returns home to find the front door open, a glass coffee table smashed, and his wife, Amy (ROSAMUND PIKE), missing. He immediately calls the police and detectives Rhonda Boney (KIM DICKENS) and Jim Gilpin (PATRICK FUGIT) arrive and look over the scene. Rhonda seems a bit suspicious of Nick and it's not long before news of Amy's disappearance has made the rounds, from Nick's twin sister, Margo (CARRIE COON), to Amy's parents, Rand (DAVID CLENNON) and Marybeth Elliot (LISA BANES), and to a neighbor, Noelle (CASEY WILSON), who Nick barely recognizes despite her claiming to be Amy's best friend.

After some questioning, it's discovered that Amy's ex-boyfriend, Desi Collings (NEIL PATRICK HARRIS), apparently stalked her after their breakup, while the entire situation eventually makes the cable news circuit. As sensationalistic and opportunistic news host Ellen Abbott (MISSI PYLE) essentially accuses Nick of killing his wife, high profile defense attorney Tanner Bolt (TYLER PERRY) takes note and waits for his future client to call.

It's eventually revealed that not only has Nick been having an affair with one of his students, Andie Fitzgerald (EMILY RATAJKOWSKI), but that -- SPOILER ALERT -- Amy faked her abduction with the intent of framing her murder on Nick. While under the guise of another person, she's befriended by Greta (LOLA KIRKE) and that young woman's friend, Jeff (BOYD HOLBROOK), all as news of her disappearance becomes and then stays as the big media story.

With pressure and public sentiment against him mounting, Nick tries to figure out what happened and how to proceed, all with the help of his sister and new defense attorney.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?: Older teens might interested, especially if they're fans of anyone in the cast and/or director David Fincher.

WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: R: For a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language.

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