Without a Trace

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Without a Trace

PG

1983

2h 0m

Drama

LGBTQ+

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86%

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7 Reviews

76%

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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.

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

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Nora Janeway

Gay Community News (Boston)

Solidly lesbian and amusing, but it’s a long way from hilarious.

Sep 7, 2022

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Michael Bronski

Gay Community News (Boston)

Boils down to a ghoulish and rabidly homophobic movie wrapped in stylish and expensive packaging.

Sep 7, 2022

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Aug 12, 2005

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...as the story progresses, the film becomes increasingly routine...

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 6, 2005

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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

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Laura C

Excellent performances by all

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

GREAT MOVIE!! THE ENDING IS FABULOUS!!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Stanley R. Jaffe

Director

Kate Nelligan

Susan Selky

Judd Hirsch

Al Menetti

David Dukes

Graham Selky

Stockard Channing

Jocelyn Norris

Jacqueline Brookes

Margaret Mayo

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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