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Without a Trace

Play trailer Poster for Without a Trace PG 1983 2h 0m Drama LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
86% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 76% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Divorced professor Susan Selky (Kate Nelligan) lives alone in a Brooklyn apartment with her young son, Alex (Danny Corkill). When Alex fails to return home from school one afternoon, a frantic Selky contacts the police. Detective Al Menetti (Judd Hirsch), a father himself, takes an interest in the case that quickly turns into an obsession. As a devastated Selky struggles to come to terms with Alex's disappearance, Menetti steps out from behind the badge to continue investigating.

Critics Reviews

View All (7) Critics Reviews
Bob Thomas Associated Press There is a beautifully sustained performance from Kate Nelligan as the mother who would not abandon hope. Nov 12, 2018 Full Review Nell Minow Movie Mom Exceptionally strong performances take this above the level of the script. Rated: 4/5 Apr 30, 2004 Full Review Nora Janeway Gay Community News (Boston) Solidly lesbian and amusing, but it’s a long way from hilarious. Sep 7, 2022 Full Review Michael Bronski Gay Community News (Boston) Boils down to a ghoulish and rabidly homophobic movie wrapped in stylish and expensive packaging. Sep 7, 2022 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Aug 12, 2005 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...as the story progresses, the film becomes increasingly routine... Rated: 2.5/4 Jul 6, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (42) audience reviews
Jeff M I've been thinking about my mom a lot lately (she passed away December 2014), so I've decided to revisit some of her favorite movies. And this one was high atop her list. Those of you early 1980s HBO subscribers may remember this playing quite often. It's actually a very gripping and powerful film about the investigation surrounding the disappearance of a young boy on his way to school. Obviously this is still very timely subject matter, and the film actually holds up quite well. I remember Nelligan received criticism in some corners for being cold and remote; however, I think she's letter perfect in a quietly devastating performance. She doesn't scream and tear her hair out; she is trying to keep her head above water, and you can feel the tension, rage and fear building up inside of her. The investigation itself is also fascinating - Nelligan and Hirsch have some really nice scenes together. Thanks to the wonderful cast and the intelligence of the filmmaking, this is definitely a cut above the Lifetime movie trappings in which this could have easily crumbled. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/24 Full Review Laura C Excellent performances by all Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/23/23 Full Review Maureen Catherine M An excellent feel good movie! A family tragedy that ends well. Lessons to be learned all around and an amazing cast. I highly recommend you watch. The film is a classic and belongs to the watcher at any time period Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/31/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie was great when I was a kid and at 43 still a great flick!Classic! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member Kate Nelligan is very good as the mother of a seven-year-old boy who disappears while walking to school. A heart-breaking story superbly told. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member GREAT MOVIE!! THE ENDING IS FABULOUS!!! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Without a Trace

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Without a Trace

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Movie Info

Synopsis Divorced professor Susan Selky (Kate Nelligan) lives alone in a Brooklyn apartment with her young son, Alex (Danny Corkill). When Alex fails to return home from school one afternoon, a frantic Selky contacts the police. Detective Al Menetti (Judd Hirsch), a father himself, takes an interest in the case that quickly turns into an obsession. As a devastated Selky struggles to come to terms with Alex's disappearance, Menetti steps out from behind the badge to continue investigating.
Director
Stanley R. Jaffe
Producer
Stanley R. Jaffe
Screenwriter
Beth Gutcheon
Production Co
Twentieth Century Fox
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2018
Runtime
2h 0m