Elizabeth Is Missing (2019 TV Movie) User Reviews

Elizabeth Is Missing

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 10 December 2019]

Glenda Jackson makes her return to screen acting after 27 years. During that time she became an elected Labour MP and Minister of State for Transport.

It is easy to dismiss this as a drama of an old woman with advancing dementia. Elizabeth is Missing shares somewhat with Christopher Nolan's Memento. Maud is suffering from dementia. The missing memories means she has no idea as to what has happened to her friend Elizabeth.

Maud's search for Elizabeth also unlocks deeply buried memories of another mystery in Maud's past. That of her older sister who has been missing since 1949.

As the drama goes on, I sort of guessed what may have happened to Elizabeth. Maud's behaviour such as her constant gardening leads to a more interesting story.

Jackson claims that she understood the devastation of dementia from the old people's homes she visited during her time as a politician. You can tell you are watching a master craftsman at work, just watch her gait as Maud goes searching for her friend.

Achingly sad

[nezbitkn2 · 8/10 · 9 December 2019]

Such a sad but beautiful portrayal of those of us that do, have and will suffer with such illnesses. The remembering of certain facts only adds to the sadness when in general this would enthuse an audience. Well written and fantastic acting.

Good film

[a-78738 · 8/10 · 11 June 2020]

It is the setting of Alzheimer's disease that gives the film its special suspense. It is through the front of the constant foreshadowing, the end just become very moving. Maude's yearning for her sister is so strong that she can overcome the trouble of the disease, break through the mystery in the broken and chaotic memory, and find the final truth. Remarkably, the key to the film's eventual success is also her daughter's patient listening to Maud -- it's a seemingly illogical question from Maud that eventually leads her to the burial site.

A superb performance from Jackson.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 8 December 2019]

I am so glad to see Glenda Jackson back on the box, hard to believe she's 83 here, still has such gravitas as an actress, terrific to watch. Overall I thought this was excellent, at times hard to watch because of the subject material, but ultimately rewarding. Twenty seven years away from tv, and nothing has changed.

If I'd had any sense I would have saved this for Christmas day, as it's not the most amazing schedule imaginable. However I watched it, and loved it. Refreshing to watch a one off ninety minute drama, I miss this format, not always do you want to watch a seven part drama, this was a nice change up.

Watching this and having a family member who suffers with dementia brought it home just how tough it really is.

Some uncomfortable scenes, but a great story, and of course the wonderful Glenda Jackson, a winner. 9/10

Sad reality drama with a twist

[michael-phillips-55838 · 10/10 · 10 December 2019]

It must be said when it comes to making dramas the BBC very rarely fails. This was brilliant.

Maud is a mother and grandmother tackling life's daily challenges only in reality she is in the depths of dementia. The story centres around Maud trying to find her friend Elizabeth who has gone missing. Nobody seems to care apart from Maud and the frustration she feels is very evident. The current events are also triggering past memories of another missing person in Maud's life but I won't say anymore about that.

Glenda Jackson is absolutely amazing as Maud. My husband actually asked me if she has dementia in real life, her performance is so convincing.

Losing a parent to dementia is a fear every person must contemplate at some point and this drama echoes that fear with unabashed realism.

This is an emotional ride you won't forget in a hurry. A must see.

Sublime - an intelligent and moving drama

[SamJohnson1 · 11 December 2019]

This is exceptional film making. A clever depiction of a terrifying consequence of growing old. The acting, directing, script writing, editing, attention to detail - all added up to a gripping tale of what is likely to befall many of us if we are lucky enough to make it into our eighties.

This is multi layered writing at its best. The frustration we felt for the character so brilliantly performed by Glenda Jackson gives a sense of what it is like to actually have Alzheimer's. She felt she was the only one not to have lost her marbles when all along she really was just blanking out all the important information.

The fragmented nature of memory was perfectly caught here - the blurred images behind glass you couldn't quite see through contrasted with the vivid recall of times from 70 years ago was dramatically depicted in a gloriously unsentimental script. The British excel at this - and having a plot that spliced together a real murder mystery with an imagined one was inspired.

Jackson provides a heart wrenching performance that in my experience captures exactly what old age is like for many - determined to remain on the surface entirely presentable and yet being forced into a decline which it's impossible to resist. As we enter an era in which we all grow older this is the best version of what's ahead that I have ever seen. Thank you for providing such a thought provoking slice of life and for not air brushing the reality.

Elizabeth Is Missing

[jboothmillard · 7/10 · 2 February 2020]

I know the leading actress best for her Oscar winning performance in Women in Love, this was her return to acting after 27 years, after having a career in politics, an interesting television made film. Basically, Maud (BAFTA winning Glenda Jackson) is an 80-something woman affected by dementia. She relies on sticky notes to get through the day as her memory slowly deteriorates. But her condition has never diminished her strong stubborn nature. She often spends time with her best friend, another elderly woman named Elizabeth (EastEnders' Maggie Steed), and they arrange a shopping trip together. But when Maud turns up at Elizabeth's house, there is no answer, and she notices that her friend has not taken her eyeglasses with her. Maud is certain something terrible has happened, but her attempts to raise the alarm are ignored. Maud's daughter Helen (Helen Behan) dismisses her mother's worrying, but Helen's daughter, Maud's granddaughter, Katy (Nell Williams) is supportive as much as possible. Maud tries to go about her daily routine as much as possible but cannot escape turning detective to try and solve the mystery of her friend's disappearance. But with her memory fading it is not easy to hold onto the clues as she follows them. Despite her constant note-making, Maud cannot help but shake the feeling she has lost a crucial clue to unlock the mystery of Elizabeth's fate. Throughout her personal sleuthing, she often has flashbacks of a past disappearance: young Maud (Liv Hill) was shattered when her elder sister Susan "Sukey" Jefford (Sophie Rundle) disappeared 70 years ago. Helen is becoming emotionally distraught by Maud's constant confusion and presumably nonsensical mumblings, so is forced to sell her mother's house and bring her home to live with her. Elizabeth is eventually found, when it turns out she has been taken to hospital. But Maud insists something is buried in a garden and will not shut up until it is unearthed. It turns out, her apparently disorganised ramblings were in fact truthful, when a frustrated Helen digs up the ground where Maud claims something is to be found. It is there that the body of Sukey is discovered, and the memory she was referring to was witnessing the kidnap or murder of her sister. Helen is relieved that her mother has resolved this devastating event, but Maud still mentions that "Elizabeth is missing", meaning that sadly her memory will continue to fade. Also starring Mark Stanley as Frank Jefford, Sukey's husband, Sam Hazeldine as Tom Horsham, Maud's son, John-Paul Hurley as Mr Palmer, Maud and Sukey's father, Michelle Duncan as Mrs Palmer, Maud and Sukey's mother, Linda Hargreaves as Carla, Maud's carer and Anna-Maria Nabirye as Detective Sergeant Grainger. Jackson gives a superbly believable performance as the old lady struggling to remember a tragic event from her past, while also trying to find out what happened in the present to her best friend, and there is good support from Behan and Williams. Obviously, it was going to be an emotional story, concerning a terrible chronic neurodegenerative disease, but it also pulls you in on the lead character's journey, getting lost along the way, to solve the mystery, a most worthwhile drama. Glenda Jackson was number 21 on The 50 Greatest British Actresses. It was nominated the BAFTA for Single Drama. Very good!

Heartbreakingly superb...

[victoriakayeharris · 10/10 · 9 December 2019]

I watched this last night and Glenda Jackson is heartbreakingly superb as the Alzheimer's victim, Maud. It follows her as she attempts to find out what has happened to her friend, Elizabeth, and how this current mystery induces flashbacks and repressed memories surrounding the disappearance of her sister 70 years ago. It highlights the strain that families undergo whilst living with a loved one with dementia, and how life itself becomes a mystery to the sufferer.

Glenda Jackson puts on an incredible performance; at times the film is emotionally distressing and makes for difficult viewing. Her portrayal of how Alzheimer's erodes the sufferer's core personality, replacing it with a violent stranger, is worthy of a BAFTA. The secondary mystery of what happened to her sister all those years ago is beautifully intertwined with the present day storyline. This is definitely worth a watch, but make sure you have you tissues on standby.

Glenda Jackson launches her career

[vovers1 · 7/10 · 29 March 2021]

As a made for TV drama this trip down memories lanes is exceptional. Glenda's silent scream, in the restaurant about halfway through the movie highlights the agony of not being in control of the senses and memories.

Will break your heart

[canarygirl · 9/10 · 18 December 2019]

I watched this stunningly powerful film with tears running down my cheeks. This is a no holds barred portrait of an elderly woman desperately trying to remember events of her youth while suffering with dementia. There are super supporting performances, especially from Helen Behan, as the put upon daughter dealing with the daily pain and trauma of seeing her beloved mother deteriorate. However, this is a tour de force performance from Glenda Jackson as Maudie. Her performance is raw and heartbreaking. Ms Jackson is still one of the world's greatest actors. Please watch this.

Obviously some viewers did not understand.

[zzhhhqing · 7/10 · 18 March 2020]

Obviously some viewers did not understand. It is not for not telling the old lady that it is the old lady who always forgets where Elizabeth is when she is ill. She can only remember the fact that "Elizabeth is gone". The fact that she can be remembered is because her sister is "lost." This knot has always troubled her. The perspective of the entire film is the perspective of the old lady, in order to highlight the characteristics often forgotten.

An acting masterclass

[via-helena · 10/10 · 13 December 2019]

The story is solid if somewhat too labyrinthine.

There is an excellent supporting cast with Helen Behan & Nell Williams putting in very strong performances.

Then there is Glenda Jackson wow! Utterly compelling and absolutely plausible, if this had seen higher investment and a cinematic release she'd have the Oscar in the bag! You might need a handkerchief to discreetly dab if you find your face unexpectedly leaking.

It is commendable that BBC is commissioning programmes of such high quality.

Great acting, impossible to watch ....

[PeterHerrmann · 2/10 · 17 January 2021]

... depressing and too-slow paced. Esp. seeing Jackson, who I remember from decades ago who projected (at that time) a kind of beauty and strength. Here she projects - more than adequately - the decrepitude that awaits many of us. I was somewhat interested in the actual 'mystery' per se, so I fast-forward to get over the repellent parts.

Acting is amazing.

[Ma_Vader · 14 December 2019]

I don't think I have ever written a review before but after watching this I felt compelled to.

Glenda Jackson's portrayal of a lady who has Alzheimers is played fantastically. I have worked with people with dementia/Alzheimers for 20 years. When programs like this come out I always watch and criticise because some performances are laughable. But this one was relatable on so many levels.

The Superb Glenda Jackson

[JLRMovieReviews · 10/10 · 12 January 2021]

Glenda Jackson's friend Elizabeth s missing but no one pays any attention what Maude (Glenda) is saying They dismiss her. By the way Maude has dementia and has notes all over reminding her what to do and not to do. She lives in a state of haphazard order and with a feeling of futility. This crusade to find Elizabeth only makes her feel even more helpless and yet with a firm resolve to do SOMETHING.

She is also remembering her sister who mysteriously disappeared years ago. What happened to her?

For fans of Glenda Jackson, this is a must-see. Glenda is spectacular. I predict she will be winning awards for this. In fact, she has already won British awards for this. Miss this and you miss one of the many great performances of Glenda Jackson.

An Absolute Triumph

[MotormouthOnLegz · 10/10 · 12 December 2019]

From the sensational cast to the writing, direction and the locations used this is one of the best drama productions the BBC has done for years.

Glenda Jackson is amazing in her first TV role in nearly 30 years. Her portrayal of Maude is heartbreaking and very realistic.

The sadness, defiance, anger, confusion and frustration of Dementia - There are a whole range of emotions on display giving Ms Jackson the chance to show off her stunning range. The girl who plays her grandaughter is excellent too. They work beautifully together. The whole family unit of mother/daughter/grandaughter are realistically portrayed and show how this disease really can destroy everyone it touches.

There are no words to describe how good this TV film is. Breathtakingly powerful scenes.

A BAFTA or 5 will hopefully be awarded to the cast and crew.

BBC drama at its best

[louisemarieperry · 10/10 · 11 December 2019]

Absolutely brilliant. Not the sort of thing I would normally go for (action / adventure / sci-fi) but something about it enticed me to watch it. I'm glad I did. Others have provided better synopsis than me so I'll leave it there, but it is the best thing I've seen on tv for a long time. Glenda Jackson's acting is perfection.

Glenda is back

[LovelyPear · 9/10 · 8 December 2019]

An interesting take, on the immensely difficult subject of Dementia. Glenda Jackson, gives a sympathetic and enigmatic performance as an old lady, struggling with the present and the past. It's wonderful to see this talented actress back on our screens - and to see a storyline, that draws you in and keeps you hopeful for an ending - that makes sense of the confusion suffered by a woman who is suffering from this appalling condition.

Superb

[bellrat · 10/10 · 8 December 2019]

The lead actor puts in one of the best performances I've ever seen. The crying shame is that people may not give this a chance. But it combines great drama with serious issues that affect many people and their families. The filmography is also on point. You can't help but love the lead character and you will be left happy yet sad.

Another worst film! Full of boring conversation, and annoying overuse scene! Avoid at all cost!

[kwenchow · 1/10 · 8 March 2021]

This film start with an old woman "Maud" leaving her house, and she meet up with her friend "Elizabeth" scene! As turnout, this film is about solving the mystery of the missing of Elizabeth! Elizabeth actually pass out at her own garden, and die at the hospital! Entire film full of boring conversation, and annoying overuse scene! Such as, overuse of the flashbacks scene, overuse of the calling names scene, overuse of the eating scene, overuse of the walking scene, overuse of the singing scene, and overuse of the arguing scene! Make the film unwatchable! At the end, Maud attending Elizabeth's funeral! That's it! Wasting time to watch!

Glenda Jackson Is Superb

[drednm · 14 December 2019]

Elizabeth Is Missing (2019) marks a triumphant return before the cameras for Glenda Jackson, whose last filmed work was done in 1992. The story has Jackson as a woman in the early stages of dementia who is determined to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her friend Elizabeth. Her memory is triggered by objects and music and bits of things that cause to flash back 70 years to the disappearance of her sister. While the two things seem connected to her, to her family she is babbling incoherently. She is dismissed as a senile old woman, but she knows the clues add up. She has all the clues because they're all written down on bits of paper. She also knows she hasn't much time left.

After decades in politics, Jackson returned to acting a few years ago, and she's had major success on the London and New York stages, but this is her first filmed work since her return. At 83, she is still formidable , and she is superb in this TV movie.

Original and thought provoking.

[theredmare · 10/10 · 8 December 2019]

Exceptional performance from Glenda Jackson and an original dramatic treatment of the old mystery trope. an old lady's friend goes missing. The lady has dementia and must keep track of things through little notes. Superimposed are her memories of the disparition of her beloved sister in the 40s, some of it memories, some of it meshing with her real world as she sees it. Her family is understanding but doesn't believe her. Who is right, what is true? an interesting mystery as a background for a dramatic descent into mental ageing and disease, treated very thoughtfully and pathetically at the same time. I wasn't going to watch it but I got hooked within 90 seconds. Not to miss, this is BBC at its classic best.

Tour de Force Performance by Ageless Actress

[hilaryjrp · 8/10 · 5 January 2021]

Tour de force performance by Glenda Jackson in what for me, personally, will be the best of her career. If the script and plot are lacking in continuity sufficient for some viewers, Jackson riveted my attention with her character Maud's commitment to her life. Please note she is not committed to vague "life"; she is committed to *her* life, and she is a warrior. Diminished by everyone except a young granddaughter, ridiculed by police, patronized and scolded by her doctor, kept at arm's length by her absent son, the viewer finally asks the question advanced old age begs to be asked: Does it really matter if she's suffering from a neurological malady or not? Isn't her elderly self--shrunken, humble, afraid--by virtue of age socially acceptable as a punching bag? Doesn't being a punching bag incapacitate all of us? Elizabeth IS missing.

While the plot was pedestrian and confusing, and--this is not a spoiler--there is an element of M. Night Shyamalan's editing tactics to make one of this film's two endings a true surprise, *story* is unimportant. The viewer gradually realizes Maud is the only thing about the production that counts. Her loneliness is all the more terrifying because it's ignored or trivialized or disdained in some way--small or gaping--by everyone. Only Elizabeth and Maud's own ironic love of human memory imbue her with dignity and reasons for self-respect. She is her own raison d'etre because the world finally (as for all of us) does not give a damn.

For me the take-away was Maud defies diagnosis. If she has been claimed by illness, it's a spiritual illness caused by an epidemic much older than Covid and with no cure on the horizon. The "mad woman" was right seventy years ago, and the mad woman is right in 2019. When Maud stands at Elizabeth's security box and does a math problem I couldn't complete as quickly as this precious old woman completes it, so that she may venture into a place where (as far as she is aware) she may face her own death, I knew the moral of "Elizabeth is Missing." Only those who dignify you until the end are the people whose absence truly counts--whether the end is sudden, as a young beauty gone missing in 1949, or prolonged and bitter, as Maud's is in the internet age. And so Maud's final words are correct, not impeded by her condition, and more profound than even her valiant daughter realizes. Whether you put the emphasis on "Elizabeth" or "Missing," those words repeated like a mantra in Maud's final question signify that... Elizabeth is Missing.

Stunning, breathtaking work of art.

outstanding

[annieroob · 10/10 · 8 December 2019]

Absolutely brilliant. This drama deserves to be up for some awards and win them. Glenda Jackson is still a superb actress. A difficult subject beautifully portrayed by an ensemble cast. I hope to see more of Glenda Jackson, she has been away too long.

Outstanding

[pnpete9 · 10/10 · 9 December 2019]

Outstanding performance from Glenda Jackson. This is far better than The Lady In The Van which was overacted. Glenda Jackson makes it look easy. As mentioned previously it is welcome to have the format of a ninety minute drama and scarcely believable that the BBC have produced this. Based on what I have just watched we really do need to see more of Glenda.