Name: Last Seen Alive
Genre: Action, Thriller
Released: 2022-05-12T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Gerard Butler, Jaimie Alexander, Russell Hornsby, Ethan Embry, Michael Irby

The opening shot of Last Seen Alive (2022) lingers on Gerard Butler’s sweat-streaked forehead, his eyes darting between desperation and fury—a visual shorthand for the film’s central tension. Directed by Brian Goodman from a script by Marc Frydman, this action-thriller stars Butler as Will Spann, a man whose wife vanishes at a gas station, sending him spiraling into a frenzied search that blurs the line between justice and vengeance.

What it is: A straightforward, if unexceptional, thriller with a premise that leans heavily on its lead’s star power. Butler, who also produced, plays Will Spann, a wealthy real-estate agent whose soon-to-be ex-wife (Jaimie Alexander) disappears under bizarre circumstances. The film’s first act unfolds with a taut urgency, as Will’s paranoia escalates into outright rebellion against the authorities investigating her disappearance.

What works: The film’s strongest moments lie in its visceral action sequences and Butler’s committed performance. A standout scene sees Will forcing his way into a gas station clerk’s (Michael Irby) office, the camera lingering on his clenched fists and the clerk’s widening eyes—a moment that crackles with palpable tension. The sound design, notably praised by some critics, amplifies these scenes, from the crisp report of gunfire to the low hum of tension in quieter moments. Goodman’s direction is serviceable, if unremarkable, but he extracts enough energy from Frydman’s script to keep the narrative chugging forward.

What falters: Unfortunately, Last Seen Alive stumbles where it should soar. The mystery at its core—Lisa’s disappearance—lacks depth or nuance, devolving into a series of predictable set pieces and expository dialogue. The supporting cast, including Russell Hornsby as Detective Paterson and Ethan Embry as the sinister Knuckles, are underutilized, their characters reduced to plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. Jaimie Alexander’s role is particularly truncated; her absence from much of the film leaves her character feeling more like a MacGuffin than a person.

The film’s pacing also suffers from a lack of thematic cohesion. While it explores themes of love and resilience, these ideas are never fully fleshed out, leaving the emotional core of Will’s journey underdeveloped. The third act, in particular, feels rushed, with key revelations and confrontations resolved too quickly to leave a lasting impact.

Verdict: Last Seen Alive is a competent but forgettable thriller that benefits from Butler’s star power and a handful of well-executed action sequences.