Disappearance At Clifton Work is masterful in the tone and atmosphere it sets.

Based on the kidnapping of a boy that a young girl witnesses at seven-years-old, Clifton Hill pulls no punches from the beginning, and never lets up.

It’s an intricate, interesting, well-woven tale: Until the last 15 minutes, that is.

Sadly, this ambitious Canadian film from director and co-writer Albert Shin misses its grand ambitions due to an over-wrought plot.

While Tuppence Middleton gives an incredible performance as the grown woman piecing together her memories of the kidnapping, her psyche and honesty are questioned at every turn.

The girl who cries wolf, her character Abby comes home after the death of her mother, and becomes embroiled in a quest for the truth about the event from her past.

Middleton is the true core of the film, and though the rest of the cast is serviceable, she really shines here. The other noteworthy performances come from History Of Violence auteur David Cronenberg in acting mode as a suspicious podcaster, as well as Elizabeth Saunders as a stop-at-nothing terrifying presence.

Though always interesting, Clifton Hill eventually becomes too smart for its own good, with the final 10 minutes leaving more questions than answers.

3.5/5 Stars