Is ‘Megan Is Missing’ Too Dark for Teens? The Controversial Film That’s Still Viral

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It’s fitting to describe the unsettling found footage horror movie “Megan Is Missing” as a distressing coming-of-age experience. This film, which caused quite a stir among viewers upon its initial release and still elicits similar responses from those who watch it blindly due to the film’s controversial reputation, certainly lives up to its notorious status. For instance, “Megan Is Missing” is prohibited in New Zealand and has become an iconic element in pop culture, often resurfacing as a TikTok challenge where users attempt to watch the movie and then share their shocked reactions afterwards.

Given its controversial standing, you might ponder whether watching Megan Is Missing is worth the trouble. It’s difficult to say definitively, but we aim to provide you with a balanced overview of what to anticipate and shed light on the origins of the debate.

Why Is Megan Is Missing So Controversial?

Film director Michael Goi, known for his work on shows like ‘Swamp Thing’ and ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, intended the movie as a warning against the risks of the internet and the unsavory individuals hiding in its deepest recesses. As he brought this concept to fruition, certain choices he made have sparked debate among viewers. Let’s delve deeper into those choices momentarily.

The movie centers around Megan (Rachel Quinn) and her friend Amy (Amber Perkins), two teenage girls who are internet-savvy and enjoy chatting with boys online. One day, Megan decides to meet a boy named Josh (Dean Waite) in person, but she mysteriously disappears. When Amy begins searching for Megan, she soon realizes that Josh is not the person he pretends to be on the internet.

Goi frequently portrays the title character, a 14-year-old girl, in an overtly sexual manner. However, it’s important to note that some viewers interpret this as an attempt to shock and raise awareness, rather than to glamorize or exaggerate the film’s raw themes.

It seems clear that Goi recognizes the potentially distressing aspect of his movie. From some comments he’s made, it appears he may have had good intentions. When the film gained renewed popularity on TikTok in 2020, Perkins (Amy’s actor) contacted Goi to inform him about the situation. His response indicates that he acknowledges how troubling the movie can be and encourages viewers to watch it when they are emotionally prepared. He even posted a video on TikTok expressing this sentiment.

In a different context, Goi mentioned that he usually provides certain precautions for viewers before they watch the film “Megan Is Missing“. These include: avoid watching it during the night, preferably not alone. Moreover, if you notice ‘photo number one’ appearing on your screen, you should swiftly turn off the movie within four seconds if you feel uneasy, as there might be images that could unsettle you further.

When Goi indicates that the film contains scenes you might prefer not to watch, he’s absolutely sincere about this. This raw film includes disturbing depictions of sexual abuse involving a minor, grooming, frequent portrayals of teenage intimacy, and much more. The use of found footage enhances the experience, making viewers feel like they are unknowingly partaking in the unpleasant events unfolding on screen.

Regardless of the debate, some people consider “Megan Is Missing” as a significant depiction of the dark side of the internet, much like the “stranger danger” message parents instill in their children to raise awareness about potential dangers at a young age.

The topic is extremely serious, bleak, gruesome, and unsettling, making it potentially unsuitable for most teenagers. But if you are a parent of teenagers, this could serve as an enlightening encounter for you. Remember to heed the cautionary advice provided earlier by Goi.

As a movie critic, I’d put it this way: “If you choose to watch ‘Megan Is Missing,’ you’ll have the chance to form your own opinion about its purpose. Is it truly a warning from Goi, or does it pose a threat to public welfare, as the New Zealand Office of Film and Literature Classification believes? It’s not for me to decide, but I can tell you that this film is a harrowing coming-of-age experience that has become infamous, not only through its release but also in the realm of viral internet memes.

You can presently watch Megan Is Missing on Tubi.

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2025-07-17 02:12