Missing at 17

"Missing at 17" is a 2008 American television drama film directed by Steve Quale and starring Caterina Scorsone, Christian Oliver, and Gail O'Grady. The movie, inspired by a true story, follows a complex web of relationships between two mothers, a daughter, and a father in an emotionally charged struggle to maintain family bonds and ensure the well-being of a young girl. The film begins with Samantha Reed (Caterina Scorsone), a 17-year-old girl who has been adopted by a loving and affluent family, the Reeds. They have provided her with a comfortable life, complete with a nice home, good education, and all the material possessions she could want. However, despite their best efforts, Samantha struggles to find her place in her adoptive family, often feeling like an outsider. Meanwhile, Samantha's biological mother, Lisa Kimmell (Mercedes McNab), has been released from prison after serving time for a non-violent crime. Having been separated from Samantha as a baby, Lisa has never met her daughter, but she becomes determined to reconnect with her. As Lisa tries to establish a relationship with Samantha, she meets her biological daughter for the first time, and it becomes apparent that the two share a deep bond. Although Samantha is hesitant to trust her biological mother due to her troubled past, Lisa proves herself to be a loving and genuine person who wants only to be close to her daughter. However, their budding relationship is put to the test when Samantha's biological mother reveals that her boyfriend, Tom (Christian Oliver), is not what he seems. As Samantha delves deeper into the truth about Tom, she realizes that he has been manipulating her and using her to commit crimes. Determined to protect her daughter and prevent her from getting into further trouble, Samantha's adoptive mother, Susan Reed (Gail O'Grady), joins forces with Lisa to help Samantha escape from Tom's clutches. Despite their initial reservations and differences, the two mothers put aside their personal feelings and work together to save Samantha. As the situation escalates, Samantha becomes increasingly desperate to break free from Tom's influence, and her adoptive mother's assistance proves instrumental in helping her to make the right choice. Meanwhile, Lisa and Susan Reed develop a newfound understanding and respect for each other's love and dedication to Samantha. In the end, Samantha manages to escape from Tom and his associates, and with her adoptive and biological mothers by her side, she begins to heal and rebuild her life. The film ends on a hopeful note, with the promise of a brighter future for Samantha and her two mothers. "Missing at 17" is a powerful and emotional drama that delves into the complexities of family relationships, adoption, and the bond between a mother and child. The film features strong performances from its cast, particularly Caterina Scorsone, who brings depth and vulnerability to her portrayal of Samantha. Overall, the movie is a compelling and heartwarming tale of love, redemption, and the unwavering commitment of two mothers who will stop at nothing to keep their daughter safe.